John William Bolt

Born July 20, 1932 in Laurens, SC, he was the son of the late William Murphy Bolt and Mary Burts Bolt. He was a graduate of Laurens High School and Presbyterian College, class of 1954, with a degree in Business Administration.

John was retired from Graybar Electric Company after serving in various sales and management assignments at Graybar locations in South Carolina, Alabama, Virginia, Texas, and Georgia.

John had a rather unique perspective on life and lived it accordingly. He was an avid outdoorsman: hunting, fishing, camping, boating, water skiing and especially his love of gardening and working on his Lake Greenwood property. Above all else though, was his love of family.

He is survived by his children: David Bolt, Marie Bolt-Vandegrift (Ron), Malinda Bolt McMillan (“BIT”); six grandchildren- Amy, Michael (Brittany), Matthew (Ayca), Lisa, Taylor and Shannon and one great-grandchild Zehra. Also, nephews Chuck Bolt, Mike Bolt, Jim Robertson and niece Mary Robertson Delaney.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his high school sweetheart since age 15, the true and only love of his life and wife of 66 years, Betty Swofford Bolt; a brother, Charles Murphy Bolt; sisters: Helen Bolt Davis and Nancy Bolt Robertson; nephew John Bolt Robertson.

John was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He wrote his own obituary several years ago after suffering several life threatening health issues. He was a regular obituary reader: “He passed away quietly and peacefully with family by his side.”

John had his own version of how he would like to leave thus earth. He wrote, “I know it is highly unlikely that I will have the opportunity to do that but, who knows –Hope is eternal – Never give up. I would ask God to spare me a while longer. I would thank God for all of the good times Betty Lee and I have had together, for our children, grandchildren and all of my many other blessings. If all of that did not work, I want to go out kicking, screaming and begging for just one more day. I have lived a long and happy life with no –zero – regrets!”

John was a long-time active member of Rosemont Baptist Church and requests that any memorial gifts be sent to: The Brotherhood Group, Rosemont Baptist Church, 2267 Dillard Road, Waterloo, SC 29384.

At John’s request, no formal services will be held.

A private, family-only memorial will be celebrated at an appropriate time as selected by his children.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Bolt family.