Howard “Shorty” James Bolick, age 90, of Hickory, passed away on April 22, 2022, at Trinity Village in Hickory after a period of declining health. Howard was born to the late James Cicero and Zula Mae McKinney Bolick on September 30, 1931, in Alexander County.
He was a member of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church. Howard was also a US Army veteran who was honored to serve his country. Shorty was well known throughout the furniture industry where he served as the Upholstering Foreman for North Hickory Furniture Company, assisted with all phases of the Furniture Markets, and reupholstered for people in the evenings. He was also co-owner of Style II Upholstery Furniture. Throughout his life he enjoyed sports such as golfing, fishing, baseball, and softball just to mention a few. He was actively involved in the National Wild Turkey Federation, where on multiple occasions he was recognized, not only throughout the local chapters of North Carolina but also on a national level for many restoration projects. He was honored with the prestigious Roger M Latham Award for Conservation of the Wild Turkey in North America. Shorty also loved the challenge of hunting deer, turkeys, elks, doves, and various others, while learning to respect the great outdoors and being an example of a role model to others. He and his wife, Ruth, enjoyed spending time in their garden. Shorty was an avid golfer where his talents have been passed all the way down to his 2-year-old great grandson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Elizabeth Bowman Bolick, whom he married on October 4, 1952. Together they experienced 60 wonderful years of married life with family and friends. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Edith Isenhour and Lena Belle Moretz of Bethlehem, and a brother, Floyd Bolick, of Hickory.
Howard leaves to cherish his memory sons Anthony Bolick and wife, Vicki of Cartersville, GA; Phillip Bolick of Bethlehem; Rodney Bolick and wife Janet of Bethlehem; grandsons Andrew and wife Candace; Nathan Bolick and wife Ana of Bethlehem; two great granddaughters, Isabella and Malaya; and a great grandson, Cade, all of Bethlehem. Also included are godson, Bryan Chamberlain of Raleigh; various brothers and sisters-in-law and their families; many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews; his dear friends, Phil and Donna Chamberlain; Nick, Will and Cheryl Satterfield; Jane Bailey; Wendell Cramer; Barney Barnes; and the awesome loving care givers of Trinity Village in Hickory.
The family will receive friends, Thursday, April 28, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Drum Funeral Home in Hickory.
The funeral service will be conducted on Friday, April 29, 2022, at 11:00 am at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church. The Rev. Dale Bost and Rev. Steve Johnson will be officiating. Burial will take place in the Mount Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Bethlehem. Military honors will be presented by the NC National Guard and Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.
Pallbearers will include Latt Moretz, Ashely Moretz, Martin Moretz, Phil Chamberlain, Bryan Chamberlain, Ken Spencer, Greg Bowman, and Cary Bowman.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, 9042 NC Hwy 127, Hickory, NC 28601.
Condolences may be sent to the Bolick family at www.drumfh-hickory.com.
Drum Funeral Home in Hickory is honored to be serving the Bolick family.
