BOLT, Ernest C., Jr. a retired University of Richmond professor of history, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on November 3, 2016 at age 80. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Dr. Bolt came to Richmond in 1966 to join the faculty of the University of Richmond where he remained until his retirement in 2004. He had a distinguished teaching career including serving as chair of the History Department and the holder of the Samuel Chiles Mitchell – Jacob Billikopf Chair in History. He served the University in numerous capacities. He served as acting director and later as President of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society, and on the Board of Directors of the Center for Baptist Heritage and Studies. His history specialties were the American Peace Movement and American Diplomacy between the World Wars. In 1977 his book entitled Ballots Before Bullets was published. It was the first published study of the war referendum approach to peace in America, 1914-41. He also developed a scholarly interest in Vietnam. In 1990 he was among a small group of American scholars who attended the first faculty seminar to study the history and culture of Vietnam at Vietnamese universities. He returned several times to Vietnam, a country he loved .Ernest Bolt earned his B.A. degree from Furman University and his master’s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in history from the University of Georgia. He was a member of Derbyshire Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon and a Sunday school teacher. He formerly was a faculty sponsor of the Baptist Student Union at UR. Unfailingly kind, adored by his family, ever true to his principles, Dr. Bolt had a beautiful life. Dr. Bolt was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest C. Bolt, Sr. and Rachael Winecoff Bolt; by his infant son, David Collier Bolt; and by his brother, Dr. Michael Bolt. He is survived by his wife, Mary Frances Bolt; his son, Brian Bolt, and daughter-in-law Molly Bolt, all of Richmond; his daughter Lauren Bolt Berry and son-in-law Thomas Berry and grandson James Berry, all of West Chester, Pennsylvania; step-grandsons Colin Berry and George Berry of Richmond; and his sister, Martha Bolt Davis, of Kingsport, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, donations to the University of Richmond, Bolt Travel Grant for History will be appreciated. The family gives thanks to his nurses and to the Bon Secours Community Hospice House staff for their compassion. A memorial service will be held 2pm Monday, November 7, 2016 at Derbyshire Baptist Church, 8800 Derbyshire Rd., Richmond, Va., followed by a reception at the church. In the days prior to this, the family welcomes friends to visit them at home. Condolences may be offered at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.
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