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Obituary For Kenneth Ray Bolden, Sr.
Kenneth Ray Bolden, Sr, age 70, of Stewartsville/Martinsville VA departed this life on April 29, 2024.
He was born on January 8, 1954, in Roanoke Virginia to John Andrew Bolden Sr and Gloria Ann Bolden-Glasby—both have preceded him to rest.
Kenneth was a graduate of William Fleming High School’s (Colonels) class of 1972. A gifted athlete and star football player; during the school year, he was a mainstay on the local sports news and daily newspaper as the All-Metro/City Defensive End for the Colonels. He was nicknamed by his fellow students and the Roanoke Times as “Legs-Bolden.”
Shortly after graduating high school, in the same year, Kenneth joined the US Navy, married his high school sweetheart, Shirley, and was stationed at the Naval Air Station Alameda, in Alameda, CA. He spent several months at sea on the Naval aircraft carrier, the USS Coral Sea, was briefly transferred to the USS Kitty Hawk and finally to the USS Enterprise, fulfilling his duty as a seaman in 1975. During his tenure, he fought against and helped expose the racism and injustices experienced by himself and other Black seamen aboard the USS Coral Sea.
After his military service and furthering his education in California, Kenneth returned to his hometown and lived the remainder of his life in Roanoke VA, Vinton VA, Stewartsville VA, and most recently Martinsville VA.
Those who will mourn his loss and cherish his memory are his two sons, Kenneth Ray (Maisha) Bolden Jr, and John Andrew Bolden IV, his brother John Andrew (Mercedes) Bolden Jr., his two sisters, Frances Andrea (Ronnie) Saunders, and Teresa B. Bolden, his first wife and friend Shirley (Charles) Bolden-Reed, his estranged wife Diane B. Bolden, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
A visitation service will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Loudon Avenue Christian Church (DOC), 730 Loudon Ave., Roanoke, VA. Interment will follow with military rites at Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 5550 Bagging Plant Rd., Dublin, VA.
A public viewing will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette St., Martinsville, between the hours of 1p.m. until 5 p.m.
Courteous, efficient, and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.
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I would like to extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the Bolden family. I remember Kenny from both Monroe Jr. High school and at Fleming. One of the most decent and friendly guys I've ever known. Always coming at you with a smile! We've met people who have left an indelible impression on our lives... and "Kenny Ray" did that for me. I hadn't seen him since the 70's and I'd wondered where he was. Thank you, my brother, for reminding me that I knew what a good man looked like. Blessings, peace and comfort to the Bolden family. Clint Williams
Kenny Ray and I were best friends in our youth .we had a lot of good times and such. He was the my friend. We grew apart as older men with different ambitions. He and I left Roanoke to better our future and was a helpful friend in my relocation. I have been so blessed by that move and wished we could have grown older together. Nevertheless, He was my friend and I pray that he rest with the Lord. Love Brother Douglas L. Brown
My childhood/neighborhood friend, Kenny Ray. Although we only have childhood memories, that's enough to say that it was the best time in a lifetime to remember and always brings a smile to my face because you were one of the good guys. Sweet, smart, handsome and charming and my friend. Yes, we grew up and went our separate ways but I know there was great memories we will always hold in our hearts. Rest my friend in heavenly peace. Love, Sydney Ballou
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