Carl Beverly Bolin

Carl was born on October 31, 1924, to Orvilla and Carl Bolin in Alvin, Texas. After graduating

from Alvin High School in 1942, he enrolled at the North Texas Teachers College–known

today as the University of North Texas. His education, however, was interrupted by military

service. He participated in World War II, the Korean War, and retired from the Navy Reserve in

1984 as a Lieutenant Commander.

During his Navy years, Carl was sent as an instructor to the Naval Training School in New

Orleans, Visiting the city’s First Baptist Church he met Vera Prather, the church’s financial

secretary. On July 9, 1946, Carl and Vera were married with the legendary pastor J.D. Grey

officiating.

Carl eventually returned to North Texas Teachers College to earn his Master of Music degree.

His education was soon put to work when he began the band program in the Garland school

district. As the Garland High School band director, he composed both words and music for

the school’s alma mater, loved and sung by generations of students since.

After retiring from the public school system, Carl joined the executive staff of Brook Mays

Music Company. In 1961 the opportunity came to continue his musical pursuits when LeeRoy

Till, minister of music at First Baptist Church of Dallas, invited him to begin a church orchestra.

That he did, and in addition to the orchestra, a handbell group and an ensemble of

Indonesian instruments called Ang Kluns were launched. Both groups were featured in

concerts by the Chapel Choir of which Carl and Vera were sponsors. In later years, the couple

stayed active in church life assisting the widows ministry.

Carl is survived by his son David Bolin, daughter Beverly Golden, daughter-in-law Julie Bolin

and son-in-law Gary Golden. Carl’s grandchildren are Rachel Bolin Dresel, Daniel Bolin,

Celeste Boyer and Geoffrey Golden all of whom affectionately call him “Papa”. Rachel’s

husband is Billy Dresel; Celeste is married to Brandon Boyer, and Lisa Golden is Geoffrey’s

wife. Carl found great joy in his great-grandchildren—Charlotte and Benjamin Boyer, Max and

Maya Dresel, and Lydia Rose Golden.

A funeral service for Carl will be held Friday, April 30, 2:00pm at the First Baptist Church of

Dallas, located at 1707 San Jacinto Street, Dallas, TX 75201.

Burial will be held for the immediate family at the Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Memorial gifts can be made to Marketplace Chaplains (2001 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 3200,

Plano, TX 75075) or the Music Ministry of First Baptist Dallas.

Sparkman Richardson Funeral Home has charge of arrangements