Lenoir, NC- Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Augustus Boldin, U.S. Army Retired, age 93, of Lenoir, died Wednesday, July 14, 2010 in Caldwell Memorial Hospital.
LTC Boldin commanded the 1st BN. 113th ARTY with HQ in Lenoir and Units in Forest City, N. Wilkesboro and Boone from 1964 to 1967 and upon reorganization the 540th Transportation BN with units in West Asheville, Boone, N. Wilkesboro and Lenoir from 1967 thru 1969. LTC Boldin had previously commanded Battery C 112th FA BN in N. Wilkesboro from 1950 to 1955 and Battery A 113th FA BN in Lenoir 1957 to 1959.
LTC Boldin was commissioned thru the aviation cadet program during World War II as an Army Air Corps Pilot.
LTC Boldin was born in Lenoir, NC January 22, 1917, the son of James Augustus and Sally Viola Carlton Boldin and the husband of the late Betty Jean Marr Boldin who passed away July 8, 2010 to whom they had shared 64 years of marriage. Other than his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Boldin Laxton. He was a graduate of Lenoir High School and attended Tennessee Polytechnic Institute. He was a former member of the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra and held a commercial pilot’s license. He was a member of Lower Creek Baptist Church; Cedar Rock Country Club and Lenoir Golf Club.
LTC Boldin was employed as a civilian by the U.S. Postal Service and had been awarded a plaque by the National Safety Council for driving 1 million miles without an accident.
He is survived by his son, Ed Boldin and wife Ruby of Lenoir; two grandchildren and their spouses, James Edwin Boldin, DMA and Kristen and Joanna Elizabeth Boldin Porter and John.
A celebration of Col. Boldin’s life will be held 3:00 PM Friday, July 16, 2010 at Lower Creek Baptist Church with Reverend Bert Blackburn officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with full-military honors.
The family will receive friends Friday, July 16, 2010 from 2:00 until 3:00 PM, prior to the service at Lower Creek Baptist Church.
Memorials may be made to DAV Chapter 6 or Lee Powell Post 5381 VFW, 4113 Hickory Nut Ridge Road, Hudson, NC 28638
Online condolences may be sent to the Boldin Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com
Evans Funeral Service & Crematory of Lenoir is serving the Boldin Family.
