Paul Bolick Obituary

Paul Wayne Bolick, 80, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 7, 2023. Wayne was born January 24, 1943 in Mecklenburg County, NC to the late Carl and Ruth Moose Bolick and grew up in Riverbend Village. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Kenneth Bolick and Nora St. John Bolick, his wife of 47 years. Wayne and Nora enjoyed a quiet life in Denver, NC. Wayne attended Mount Holly High School and was an outstanding athlete for the Mount Holly Hawks football and baseball teams. He attended UNC Wilmington on a baseball scholarship and graduated from Appalachian State University. He served honorably in the United States Army. He was a member of Denver American Legion Post 455. After he completed his service in the Army, he became a teacher and coach at Mt. Holly Middle School and then Mt. Holly Junior High. Under his guidance, Wayne's teams won multiple championships in baseball and football. He was inducted into the Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. Wayne was an avid learner; always taking courses in subjects ranging from refrigeration to how to build a house. He participated in efforts to protect our natural resources, achieved a black belt in Taekwondo and was probably the only person to stop Hugh McColl from entering Panther Stadium. Wayne loved working as a security guard and especially enjoyed stopping the Dallas Cowboys bus and the evening he saw Willie Nelson. His final goal was reached when he attained his Master's Degree and Certification to teach Drivers' Education. He had a way of taking young drivers and giving them the knowledge and confidence they needed. Wayne was a unique personality and we are especially grateful to the caregivers who enabled him to remain in his home after Nora passed. He is survived by his brother, Bruce Bolick, who was devoted to his care, Bruce's wife Karen, nieces and nephews as well as numerous, faithful classmates and former students who continued to visit. A graveside service with military honors to celebrate Wayne's life will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 2:00 p. m. at Center Grove Lutheran Church Cemetery, 618 Little Texas Rd. , Kannapolis, NC. Denver American Legion Post 455 Chaplin, John David Helton will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the Bolick family at www. bennettfuneralservice. comThe Bolick family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, 828-465-2111