What makes someone a valued member of the community? Is it what they contribute to those around them or is it something much deeper? The question was answered by Coach Millard Bolden at a community function. His response spoke volumes about his character.
“Your behaviors and actions undoubtedly build your reputation. Regardless of what you do for a living or how much money is in your bank account, no one is better than you, and vice versa. I’ve tried to live my life as selflessly as possible.”
On Feb. 17, Bolden, a beloved coach, father, teacher, leader, and all-around great guy, transitioned peacefully at age 70. While losing such a beloved individual has left a gap in many hearts, it was well-known that his health had been on the decline for months. Those who knew him best say he got every ounce of life from his time on Earth.
One of Bolden’s former teachers at Monroe Junior High, Richard Chubb, 86, said his former student was one of the most impressive young men he’d ever encountered. “He and the late George ‘Kila’ Miller are two of my favorite former students,” Wilson said. “You could tell at an early age that they were both going to accomplish great things in their lives and boy, did they ever do just that.”
Many have since taken to social media to send their condolences and share their favorite stories of Bolden.
“I worked alongside him at Westside Elementary. He was a joy to work with and the kids loved him,” expressed Patricia Wright.
Bolden experienced many parts of the country, but Roanoke City was always home. At Monroe, he won multiple track and field events in the 1967 City Championship. After graduating from William Fleming High School three years later, Bolden continued his education and athletic career at Virginia State University. For his achievements, the school inducted him into its Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.
Throughout his lifetime of service, Bolden helped countless kids reach their full potential. His passion for the community and education was as palpable as it was inspiring. Understanding the financial reality of many in the community, Bolden worked as the program director at the YMCA Family Center, where he oversaw many kids who attended after-school programs and summer camps for free.
Over a career that spanned nearly five decades, Bolden flourished in many roles: teen ministry leader, Eureka Park Program Director, daycare director, and PE coach, just to name a few. A faithful member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Party Phi Party, his nephews and grandsons affectionately referred to him as “Unk” or “G-Pa,” respectively.
In Oct. 2021, he was honored by the Blue Ridge Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America with the Whitney M. Young Award, an annual distinction presented to deserving individuals that strive to serve those around them in collective efforts to improve communities.
Bolden’s wife of decades and high school sweetheart, Armell, passed away in 2021. Never afraid to brag about his wife, who he considered his best friend, he regularly credited her for giving him the strength needed to pursue his goals and reach his potential. Their daughter, Michie, said her parents set a quintessential example of what hard work and unconditional love looked like.
“I don’t know how he did it, but Dad wore many hats and thrived in all of them. There are so many memories we experienced that I will forever cherish,” Michie said. “Everyone isn’t fortunate to have a great father in their lives. So many people over the years have told me that my dad was a father figure to them too.”
