DAVID WILLIAM ("Bill") BOLYARD

David William “Bill” Bolyard, 67, of Whitwell, Tennessee (formerly of Kingwood, West Virginia), passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Whitwell Mountain on Tuesday, July 2, 2025.

Bill was born on November 4, 1957, in Oakland, Maryland, the son of Charles E., Sr. and Marion (Lee) Bolyard of Kingwood, WV. He was a proud graduate of Kingwood High School, Class of 1976.

On August 26, 1978, Bill married the love of his life, Anita Joy (Hollis). Together, they built a life centered around family and hard work. For nearly 44 years, Bill and Anita were self-employed, operating the family business, Charles E. Bolyard & Son. Bill was a master electrician and skilled equipment operator, known for his precision, talent, and dedication to quality. He truly enjoyed working outdoors, and his hands-on approach helped define the standard of excellence the business became known for.

Following Anita’s passing, Bill relocated to Tennessee to be closer to his daughters. In the final chapter of his life, he dedicated himself to Project K-9 Hero, a nonprofit organization deeply meaningful to the entire family. As a construction consultant, Bill played a pivotal role in the development of the organization’s Rehabilitation and Rehoming Center in Whitwell. His lifetime of knowledge, experience, and leadership directly contributed to the creation of the facility, and his presence will be profoundly missed by everyone who worked alongside him.

Bill was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was the embodiment of selflessness and sacrifice, always putting his family first and ready to support those he loved in whatever way he could. He never met a stranger and had a gift for turning acquaintances into friends. His wisdom, warmth, and willingness to help others left an impression on all who knew him. 

Bill lived by his faith and found peace and purpose in worship. His voice, steady and full of heart, became a reflection of his spirit in song. He never missed the opportunity to take in a good sunset, often pausing to enjoy the stillness and beauty of the moment—a simple pleasure that reflected his deep appreciation for the life the Lord had provided. 

He deeply valued the company of his many friends. Each morning, he enjoyed breakfast and coffee with a close-knit group on the mountain, and he cherished the friendships he built in Tennessee while continuing to stay connected to lifelong friends in West Virginia through regular visits. Weekly dinners with friends in Chattanooga were a highlight, and he never passed up an opportunity to spend time in good company. An avid NASCAR fan, he enjoyed attending races with his brother and friends.

He enjoyed cooking and had a special knack for making buckwheat cakes—something he mastered and took pride in sharing. Whether it was a simple breakfast or a hearty meal, Bill found joy in feeding others and making them feel at home.

A cowboy at heart, Bill loved to travel—especially to the American West—and in recent years was a regular at the National Finals Rodeo. He embraced the western lifestyle with pride, always ready with a pair of cowboy boots and a hat for every occasion. He also found peace and joy in the quiet of fishing, the adventure of hunting, and the occasional round of golf with friends.

Throughout his life, Bill also dedicated himself to serving his community. His contributions included: 

Nearly 50 years with the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as Engineer and on the Board of Directors 

24 years as Chairman of the Board, City of Kingwood 

14 years as Chairman, City of Kingwood / Kingwood Water Works 

7 years as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Preston County Chamber of Commerce 

Bill is survived by his loving daughters, Amanda Bolyard and Sheena Haller and husband Roger Haller, Jr.; his cherished grandson, Hollis Haller; and his brother and sister-in-law, Charles E. Bolyard, Jr. and Sandy (Livengood).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles E. Bolyard, Sr., and Marion (Lee), and by his beloved wife, Anita Joy (Hollis).

His family will receive friends 2PM-5PM, CST, Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Whitwell Memorial Funeral Home 795 Morrison Springs Road Whitwell, Tennessee 37397.

Visitation will be held at Kingwood Funeral Home, 295 S. Price Street, Kingwood, WV, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A short visitation will also be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Terra Alta Cemetery."

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Bill’s honor to:
Project K-9 Hero
309 Bear Pen Road, Whitwell, TN 37397 or online at projectk9hero.org

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