Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
BLACKVILLE - William Ray “Billy” Bolen, 94, of Blackville, S.C. passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 12, 2026 with his family by his side.
Born in Barnwell County on October 20, 1932, Billy was a lifetime resident of Barnwell County. He was the first-born son to the late Simmie Bolen and Nina Lee Mitchell Bolen.
Billy learned to work at an early age helping with daily chores and working in the field learning to plow and how to harvest crops while also caring for his sisters and brother. He attended Elko and Williston schools while continuing to work and help support his family. He became a successful self-employed businessman working for more than 60 years in the Building Supply business. His career included owning three building supply businesses in Barnwell County. He retired in 2017 from Bolen Buildings and Supply in Blackville. His business motto was "Treat people the way you want to be treated."
Billy always loved helping and working with people. Over the years it was a privilege for him to serve on Barnwell City Council 1972-1976 and Barnwell County Council 1984-1988. He also served as a member on the Agricultural Heritage Board and Barnwell County Economic Development Board.
He was a member of the Hope Lodge 126 and a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. He loved cooking and spending time with his family and friends. He tried to make the best of every day and was always thankful for every blessing.
Billy was a family man, devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, Papa, and friend to all.
Survivors include his loving wife of 37 years, Betty Faye Keisler Bolen of the home; a son, Andy (Karen) Bolen, Hilda, S.C.; daughters, Kathy B. Collins, Blackville, S.C., Debbie Seigler, Barnwell, S.C., Cheryl (Jeff) Eidson, Springfield, S.C., Michelle Bell, Blackville, S.C.; grandchildren, Derek (Rolanda) Bolen, Mississippi, Chad (Brandy) Bolen, Hilda, S.C., Heather (Josh) Pierce, Snelling, S.C., Travis (Autumn) Sexton, Aiken, S.C., Mandy Sexton, Charleston, S.C., Blake (Robin) Bolen, Columbia, S.C., Josh (Brittany) Bolen, Aiken, S.C., Jason (Shannon) Eichman, Connecticut, Katelyn Bell, Blackville, S.C., Haley (Johnathan) Fail, Springfield, S.C., Dalton Bell & fiancée Meagan Sessions, Blackville, S.C., Makenzie Eidson & fiancé Jack Harrison, Springfield, S.C.; bonus grandchildren Chesley (Tiffany) Bell, Blackville, S.C., Thomas (LauraAnne) Bell, Blackville, S.C.; 28 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Opal Morris, Holmans Bridge, S.C. and Libby Bell, Barnwell, S.C.; sister-in-law, Shirley (Buzz) Lewis, W. Columbia, S.C.; and brother-in-law, Robert (Cindy) Keisler, Irmo, S.C.
Billy loved children and was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He loved telling them stories and spending time with each one. They all had a special place in his heart and could put a smile on his face.
He was predeceased by his son, William Ricky Bolen; a sister, Martha Nell Wingate; brother, Simmie Rodney Bolen; and grandson, Bryan Eichman.
Funeral services will be held 3 p.m., Monday, November 16, 2026, at Folk Funeral Home Chapel, Williston with the Reverends Dr. Thomas Terry and Ted Still officiating. The family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, November 15, 2026, at the funeral home in Williston. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Chad Bolen, Travis Sexton, Josh Bolen, Johnathan Fail, Jack Harrison, Dalton Bell; honorary pallbearers are Chesley Bell, Thomas Bell and Josh Pierce.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Williston Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 367, Williston, S.C. 29853 or to the Hope Masonic Lodge #126, P.O. Box 53, Williston, S.C. 29853.
Thank you to Sandy Williams for always being there and willing to help Billy over the years.
The family would like to extend a warm and genuine Thank You to Cierra Smith and her staff at Amedisys for the gentle and loving care provided during this immensely tough time. Their professionalism, care, and concern helped us through this difficult time.
Folk Funeral Home, Inc. and Crematory, Williston, S.C. is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit the online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.
