Ronald Carl Bolden Sr

Brother, Father, Friend. The sun rose on Ronald Carl Bolden Sr.’s life on February 25th, 1941 and set on September 19th, 2024. A LOT happened within those 83 ½ years. But here, there is only enough room for some of the highlights.

Ronald Carl Bolden, or Ron or Raider Ron to his friends, also known as Ronnie to family from earlier days, Mr. Bolden to his, literally thousands of students to whom he was the school principal or vice-principal, Coach Bolden to the many baseball teams in which he was the head coach, Coach, Coachie, Grandpa Coachie or Uncle Coachie to many younger family members… In essence, he had a LOT of monikers. 

Born to the union of William H. Bolden Sr. and Evelyn S. Wells, Ron grew up in Louisiana in the beloved city of New Orleans (Orleans Parish) until moving to Bogalusa, Louisiana at age 11. He was the youngest of 4 siblings, Urselean, Johnnie May, and William “Bill” Jr.

During Ron’s time in Bogalusa, he, like his older brother Bill, worked in his grandfather’s local store as a youth. Ron later played football as a running back and also ran track in Bogalusa at Central Memorial High School. After high school, Ron went on to attend Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to pursue his Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Education and unbeknownst to Ron, his future girlfriend turned wife, Ann Alice Hailey. After graduation, like his older brother Bill, Ron went on to serve in the U.S. Navy.

However, at this time I’d like to present to you a short snippet of

RONALD BOLDEN’s Life - In His OWN WORDS..

The BOGALUSA AND SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY DAYS

“I moved to Bogalusa from New Orleans when I was in the 6th grade. I attended Central Junior and graduated from Central Memorial High in 1959 along with some great classmates. While at Central, I was a running back on the football team, a cheerleader for one game (my motive was to get next to the girls). I played bass drums in the band (got fired, because I was not very good), sung in the choir (same motive-to get next to the girls), I ran track (to impress the girls) and I was the first boy to take home economic-cooking (once again to be close to the girls). While I was spending all this time trying to get next to or impress the girls, I didn't have much time for the books, even though I was told I had done well on the I.Q. test. I was not impressed with myself so went on to finish, "Thank you Lordy", ranking in the middle of the class. Thanks to the goodness of Southern and their liberal admission standards, I was able to enter in September 1959. While at Southern "I found myself" sort of, I got a little more serious about the books and was able to graduate on time, with a better G.P.A. than high school. Could have finished in 3-1/2 years, but as you should know by now I had to stay around for the girls."

AFTER BOGALUSA AND COLLEGE DAYS

“After graduation, I moved to New Jersey and got a job with a printing firm as a department manager. Vietnam was getting hot and our Uncle Sam said I want you boy, so I was shipped off to the Navy in July, of '64 and six months later, I was on a ship headed to Vietnam."   Towards the end of Ron’s time in the Navy, he then went on to marry his college sweetheart,  Ann.  "After two years of active duty, I was discharged and I decided to settle in California... ”  

From this union, two children were born; Ron Jr. and Reginald.  They began their life in Richmond, CA.  Unfortunately, however, after many years of marriage, the story of Ronald and Ann together would come to an end as they parted ways, yet still remained friends.

Ron’s jobs in California included a manager with the Navy, a printing press operator, community college instructor and administrator, high school teacher and finally retired in 2002 as a high school administrator after over 32 years as an educator. 

Some years later, Ron met Karen Douglas (later to become Karen Bolden).That is where the  love story of Ron and Karen then began. Some time later they married on Valentine's Day in Lake Tahoe. Karen had 3 children of her own, Charles, Markus, and Brienne Douglas. The now blended family of 5 siblings grew to become a strong bond that has never waivered to this present day. Ron and Karen chose to reside in Pinole, CA, continuing their union for over 3 decades.

During Ron’s years as a Principal, he created a program that he and Karen, for over a decade, generously hosted at their home, promoting minority high school students to apply and attend HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), sending dozens and dozens of minority students that otherwise may not have realized the opportunities available to them, to 4-year universities. After raising all of their children to become college graduates and successful adults, Ron and Karen opened up their home to aid in the raising of younger extended family members as well. There was no question that Ron had an unconditional love and commitment to whomever he regarded as family.

Ron’s personal interests included hosting/enjoying tailgate parties and watching football with his family, friends and a football club called, "The Good Fellas." He was an Oakland Raiders season ticket holder for every year they resided in Oakland. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing with the boys (his sons), going on cruises and visiting his time-share in Mexico at least twice a year. But most of all, his greatest enjoyment  was being a very proud grandfather and uncle. 

Ronald is preceded in death by both his parents, William H. Bolden Sr. and Evelyn S. Wells, his siblings, Urselean, Johnnie May, and William Jr. He leaves to celebrate his life, his 4 sons, 1 daughter and daughters-in-law Ronald & Michelle Bolden, Reginald & Shalogn Bolden, Charles & Teoni Douglas, Markus Douglas, and Brienne Douglas, his grandchildren, Ronald III, Jordan, Trinity, Cameron, Kailee and Cayden Depew, Marcus Parker, Brelaun, Naya, and Markus Douglas Jr., in addition to a host of endeared nephews and nieces.

Ronald Carl Bolden leaves a legacy of being first, A Man of GOD, A Man of Love for his family and friends, but overall… He was A REAL MAN! We will ALL miss your presence and influence you had on this world.

An Interview with Dad!  📹  This is My Life.

https://youtu.be/kElC9VNOjUs?si=txw_TNUH7ePEsrMT