Willie Bolden II

On April 20, 1970, God blessed Nathaniel and Joyce “Judy” Charles Bolden with a beautiful baby boy in New Orleans, Louisiana. They lovingly named him Willie Bolden II in honor of his grandfather.

At an early age, Willie confessed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized by Rev. Isaiah Holmes at St. Luke Baptist Church in Bayou Dularge, Houma, Louisiana. After relocating to McComb, Mississippi, he became a member of Mt. Olive Missionary BC. His final church home was St. Luke Community UMC in Dallas, TX, where he faithfully served as Treasurer for the St. Luke Greeters Ministry and was a member of the United Methodist Men. 

Willie grew up in Bayou Dularge and attended Dularge Elementary School and Dularge Middle School. He later attended Houma Junior High School and graduated with honors from Terrebonne High School in 1988. Notably, he achieved the highest academic average among all African American male graduates in Terrebonne Parish. Continuing his pursuit of excellence in education, Willie attended Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in 1993. 

Willie began his engineering career in 1993 as an Engineer-in-Training with the Mississippi Department of Transportation in the Project Office in McComb, Mississippi. During this time, he gained valuable experience in construction and survey operations. In January 2001, he became a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Mississippi. Later that same year, he relocated to Texas and obtained licensure as a Professional Engineer.

Throughout his distinguished career, Willie served as a Construction Engineer in several offices, including the Central Dallas Project Office, Central Dallas Area Office, West Dallas Area Office, and Dallas County Area Office. He contributed to numerous major transportation projects that benefited communities across the region. At the time of his passing, Willie served as Assistant Area engineer in the Paris District, where he led a team responsible for inspection and materials testing on construction projects in Hunt and Rains County. He delivered IH-30, FM 2642, the Quinlan Bypass, and a multitude of other projects. Willie enjoyed sharing his construction knowledge and expertise with inspectors and young engineers.

 On July 21, 2001, Willie married the love of his life and soulmate, Jennifer L. Buckley. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, love, and service. Willie and Jennifer made their home in Rockwall, Texas, where they were actively involved in their church and community. 

Willie was a proud and dedicated Ruby-level Life member of the Southern University Alumni Federation (SUAF). As a member of the Dallas alumni chapter, he also served as past Scholarship Chairman. With great delight, he faithfully mentored students for many years.  He was also a member of the SU Terrebonne Assumption Lafourche (TAL) alumni chapter in Houma, Louisiana, and actively participated with the Southern University 1880 Society and as a life member of the Southern University Quarterback Club and the Southern Engineering Alumni Society (SEAS).  Willie, a devoted listener to Southern University podcasts, could be found on any given day, with his device engaged in online discussions with other diehard fans exchanging views on all things Southern University sports. Willie personified what it means to be SU True Blue as his blood was indeed blue and gold.  

To cherish his love, beautiful memories, and lasting legacy, Willie leaves: his devoted wife of nearly twenty-five years, Jennifer B. Bolden; his loving mother, Joyce “Judy” Bolden; his father and stepmother, Nathaniel and Verna Bolden; his brothers, Jarick (Christina) Pink and Jarlin Pink, and adopted brother, Kenya Bolden; his sisters, Kendra Bolden, Jamicia P. Fisher (Charlie), and Wilisha Pink; his father-in-law, Ben Buckley; his mother-in-law, Melba S. Buckley; his brother-in-law, John Buckley; his sisters-in-law, Jeannine M. Williams and Janice B. Baptiste (Rodney); his beloved goddaughter, Eris Stove; his uncle, Leroy Charles; his aunts, Frances Westley (who was also his beloved godmother), Margaret W. Fields, Bernadine Charles, and Terri Charles; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, colleagues, and dear friends. 

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Benjamin and Sadie Charles, and his paternal grandparents, Willie and Rosie S. Bolden.

Willie will be missed immensely, but his infectious smile will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved him. “His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure. He is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…”

— 2 Timothy 4:7–8

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Willie Bolden II:

Willie Bolden II Memorial Scholarship Fund

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