Richard Garrett Bolks' Obituary
Richard Garrett Bolks, age 96, died January 8, 2017 at his home in Foley, AL surrounded by his family. He was born in Sioux City, IA the son of Dr. and Mrs. Harry Bolks. He had one brother, Dr. James Bolk who was a dentist, as was his father.He graduated from Central High School and continued his education graduating from The University of Chicago in Chicago, IL. Mr. Bolks was president of his fraternity, Psi Upsilon. He enjoyed all winter sports and had a wide selection of music. He served as a Lieutenant in the Navy on the supply ship USS Yolo during WWII and was scheduled to participate in the invasion of Okinawa when the war ended.Mr. Bolks was a Merchandise Manager for Sears Roebuck for 38 years and his tenure with the company began with Mobile, AL, Paducah, KY, Atlanta, GA, Little Rock, AR, and then Memphis, where he retired.He was active in the Presbyterian Church and Methodist Church in all the area he lived. In later years he suffered a stroke and he and his wife moved to Alabama to be with family.Mr. Bolks is survived by his wife, Marion Green Bolks (originally from Paducah, KY); daughters, Mrs. John Grace (Sally) of Foley, AL and Mrs. Jack Curtis (Marilyn) of Atlanta, GA; son Robert Garrett Bolks (Roxanne) of Tulas, OK; grandchildren, Amy Jones, Jeffry Tobin, and Matthew Grace children of John and Sally Grace; Lauren Blackstock daughter of Jack and Marilyn Curtis and Ryan and Brianne Bolks children of Garrett and Roxanne Bolks; great grandchild, Amy Tobin of Elberta, AL and nieces Nancy Vaile of Chicago, Il and Margie Chalus of Bettendorf,Ia.The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until his service begins at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, January 12 at Memoria Park Funeral Home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis TN 38119. (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life….Behind the Stone Wall.”
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