Tommy E. Bolen

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Bolen grew up in Huntingdon, and took his degree in physical education from Union University in nearby Jackson, where he earned a scholarship to play football. Following his years at Union, Mr. Bolen coached football and girls’ basketball at Tiptonville and Dresden High Schools in Tennessee. He moved to Apopka, Florida, in 1958, then to Orlando. He earned his master’s degree in education from the University of Central Florida.

Mr. Bolen was a football coach, teacher, and administrator in Orange County Public Schools for 35 years, first at then-Apopka Memorial High School, then at William R. Boone High School, where he coached from 1962 to 1973. During his 12 seasons, Boone won the Metro Championship in 1963, 1967, and 1969, and was co-champion in 1965 and 1966. Mr. Bolen was named Metro Coach of the Decade by his fellow football coaches. Also at Boone, he coached golf, tennis and swimming, and the 1963 boys’ swim team won the Metro Conference title. Mr. Bolen also was a high school and college basketball official throughout Florida.

An ordained Baptist deacon, Mr. Bolen was a charter member of Downtown Baptist Church and a former member of First Baptist Apopka and First Baptist Orlando. He was an avid fisherman on Lake Nona and Crystal River. He enjoyed bluegrass music and the Gaither Southern gospel music.

Mr. Bolen is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia, and two daughters, Anne Woods (Mike) and Cindy Wilson; grandchildren Stefanie and Christopher Woods, Joshua Wilson (Rachel) and Jamie Stacy (Tyler); a sister, Sue Jones; and a great grandchild expected in May 2012.

A celebration of life service will be held at Delaney Street Baptist Church, 1919 Delaney Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806 at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 28, 2011.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials sent to Boone Foundation, William R. Boone High School, 2000 South Mills Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806; First Baptist Church of Apopka, 441 South Highland Avenue, Apopka, FL 32703; and Union University, Office of University Relations, 1050 Union University Drive, Jackson, TN 38305.

Arrangements by CAREY-HAND COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME. (407) 898-2561