William Bolton

Although his time here ended much too quickly, William “Billy” Bolton was such a blessing in the lives of those who knew him. He was honest, intelligent, chivalrous and so funny with a free spirit that often led him to make his own way in life. Billy was a lifelong resident of his community, and he met so many people throughout his life’s journey. Although he will be deeply missed, he leaves behind a brightly colored mosaic of memories that his friends and loved ones will forever hold near and dear to his heart.

The 1990s were an exciting time in America when the age of technology was soaring. It was in 1992 that the World Wide Web came to be, and with that, the information age was born. Shows like Saved By the Bell entertained us while Nirvana ushered in a new kind of music that transformed the music industry. It was just as this decade was dawning that Stanley and Kathy (Giem) Bolton were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as spring unfolded in the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan, in May of 1990. Their wait was over when the baby boy they named William Michael drew his first breath on May 31, at Bronson Hospital. He was the youngest of four children and the only boy as he was joined in the family by his sisters, Nickole “Nicki”, Renee, and Gloria. His father was a mold maker while his mother was a full-time mother and also worked in behavioral health.

In many ways Billy was a typical young boy of his generation. He loved dinosaurs and knew all the names of the various dinosaurs including those that had just been discovered. Billy also liked Power Rangers and may have tried playing the part of one a little too much for his sisters’ liking! Although there were times that things could be a bit trying, Billy was always so very proud of his family. The times he spent playing outside with his father were among the memories they both treasured most. It has even been said that his dad played with all Billy’s toys first at times.

Throughout his life Billy was one to keep busy. He attended Vicksburg schools as well as Sulphur Rock and Viola High School in Arkansas. Billy was also into martial arts and Southside Dojo. He loved animals and had a special little red healer mix named Pandora that was his treasured companion. Billy was an avid reader, and he was even known to wear cargo pants so he could have a book in each pocket. He was also into blacksmithing. Billy spent some time working as a parts driver at DeNooyer Ford in Vicksburg, formerly Simmons Ford. He was an amazing cook who made a mean stir fry. Billy even did some short order cooking at Main Street Pub for a short time.

With unending love for his family and friends, William “Billy” Bolton was truly one of a kind. He blazed his own trail at times, and his zest for life was easy to see. He was eccentric and had a fun-loving sense of humor with a witty side that drew others near with ease. Life will never be the same without Billy here, but he will never be forgotten.

William “Billy” Michael Bolton, of Vicksburg passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2018, at the age of 28. Billy’s family includes his mother, Kathy Bolton, of Portage; his father: Stanley (Dawn) Bolton, of Climax; three sisters: Nickole “Nicki” (Scott) Berger, of Portage; Renee (Adam Clark) Storm, of TN; and Gloria (Adam) Wicks, of FL; Paternal grandmother: Violet (Stan) Skrzypek, of Three Rivers; maternal grandmother: Peg Giem, of Portage; cherished uncle: Donny Bolton, of Three Rivers; and two nephews: Steven Giem and Luke Clark; brother-in-law: Jake Kellogg, of Three Rivers; best friend: Thomas “Will” Wyatt, of Vicksburg; many great aunts and uncles. Billy was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Don Bolton and Seth Giem; great uncle, Robert Noel; great-grandmother, Beverly Waldron. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 12 noon until 1 p.m. at the McCowen & Secord Life Story Family Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 South Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The funeral service will be held on Thursday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Vicksburg Cemetery. Please visit Billy’s webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can read his life story, sign the guestbook, and share a memory. Those who wish may make contributions to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.