John Lee Bolton Jr.

John Lee Bolton Jr., 90 of Sanford NC passed away on April 20, 2026. A funeral service will be held on Saturday April 25, 2026, at 2pm at Rogers Pickard Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Buffalo Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 1pm before the service.

John was born on November 12, 1935, to the Late John Lee and Amanda Glenn Bolton. He was the oldest of three brothers and grew up in Waynesboro, GA. John served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1956 as an Airman on the USS Purdy. After the Navy, John chose to follow in the footsteps of his parents, aunts and uncles into public education with a focus on staff development, curriculum, and supervision.

John Graduated from the University of Georgia with a Master's in Education in Social Studies Education, a Bachelor's of Science in Science Education and an Associates in Mechanical Technology from Southern Technical Institute. John also studied at North Carolina State University for Curriculum and Instruction. He worked for the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction from 1969 until his retirement on June 12th of 1998 holding several positions over the years. After retiring, John served as treasurer for the North Carolina retired teachers association which provided scholarships for future teachers of North Carolina, as well as protections and benefits for teachers entering retirement, and opportunities for members to volunteer in public schools during his time with the organization.

He was a devoted husband and avid storyteller. He loved taking his grandkids out fishing. He shared his love for woodworking with his sons and was Scout Leader for his son Neal’s Cub Scout troop. He loved NC State and University of Georgia sports and kept up with Carolina Hurricanes Hockey for his family. In his spare time, John would read his Bible and any manual he could get his hands on to continue learning and providing vast knowledge and wisdom to his family, friends, neighbors, and community members whenever they needed it. A cheerful giver and philanthropist, John was a faithful Christian and member of Westover United Methodist Church.

John was preceded in death by his brothers Robert Bolton and Dr. William Bolton.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Virginia Saxon Bolton of Sanford, NC; his sons, John Neal (Kay Gonella) Bolton of Sanford, NC; Gregory E. (Marlu Upchurch) Bolton of Morehead, NC; his grandson John E. Bolton of Siler City, NC; his granddaughter Amanda Bolton of Sanford, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to Alzheimer's research in John’s name to honor the loved he shared for his wife Virginia and her endless and unconditional support over the years.