Norman E. Bolt

Norman Eldridge Bolt, 92, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 2, 2026, following a brief illness. He leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, hard work, and memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Born in Willis, Virginia, Norman was the oldest son of the late Eugene Walter Bolt and Vera Maxey Bolt. He was a man who believed in working hard, taking care of his family, and doing a job right. But above all, Norman was a family man.

On November 22, 1956, Norman married the love of his life, Earlene Stanley Bolt. They shared nearly 70 years of marriage, and just a few weeks from now would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Their life together was a testament to love, commitment, and the simple beauty of growing old side by side.

Norman was a master ironworker and welder, dedicating more than 60 years to his craft. His skilled hands helped shape the Hampton Roads Peninsula, and his work can be found in many places throughout the area. Among the projects he worked on were the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, the Anheuser-Busch complex, and Busch Gardens' Big Bad Wolf roller coaster. True to his adventurous spirit, Norman even bravely volunteered to be among the first people to test ride the Big Bad Wolf.

For Norman, however, his greatest accomplishments weren't the structures he helped build—they were the people he helped build a life with.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Earlene; his children, Michael Bolt (Barbra) of Hillsborough, NC; Rhonda Chesson (Ed) of Charlotte, NC; and Gary Bolt of Hampton, VA.

Norman was happiest in his role as Grandad to his seven grandchildren: Stephen, Ethan, Brandon, Seth, Kaylun, Aubrey, and Danielle. He was also the proud Great-Grandad of five great-grandchildren: Ford, Colton, Harper, Grey, and Selah. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him tremendous joy, and they will forever treasure the stories, laughter, lessons, and love he gave them.

He is also survived by his three brothers, Jennings Bolt of Floyd, VA; Ward Bolt and his wife, Rosa Lee, of Willis, VA; and Douglas Bolt of Hampton, VA, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Norman will be remembered as a hardworking and talented man with a strong spirit, a sense of adventure, and an unwavering love for his family. The many things he built throughout his career may stand as part of the Peninsula for years to come, but the greatest legacy he leaves behind is the family he loved so deeply.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Parklawn Memorial Park, Mausoleum Chapel, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, Virginia, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Norman's memory.

Norman built many things in his lifetime. But his greatest work was the life and family he built with Earlene. He is deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

And always remember Norman’s Wisest Words of Wisdom: “If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough.”