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Emory E. Bolton, Jr.

Emory Eugene Bolton, Jr. “Buddy”, age 68, passed away February 5, 2022 in Wilmington, DE as a result of complications from diabetes.

Emory was born in Jacksonville, FL, the son of the late Emory Eugene Bolton, Sr. and Shirley Ruth (Tilley) Bolton of Suffolk, VA. He was a 1972 graduate of John Yeates High School in Suffolk, VA and was a two year letterman on the Regional Championship Charger football team. He went on to graduate from Elon University, then Elon College, with a degree in Chemistry. While studying at Elon, he was initiated into the Mu chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and he remained an active and loyal alumnus throughout his life. After college, he worked as a chemist and computer analyst for DuPont in Wilmington, DE.

Emory enjoyed a good meal, music, getting together with friends for a game of poker or bridge, bowling, watching NASCAR, and keeping up with family and friends.

He is survived by his companion Mary Goetz, whom he loved very much; sisters Linda Ruth Schwab (Michael) and Tilley Floyd (Henry); and his beloved nieces Angela Kenworthy, Amelia Schwab, Carrie Floyd, and nephew Jeff Floyd.

A celebration of life may be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Emory’s name may be made to the Delaware Hospice by going to delawarehospice.org/donate/memorial-gifts/

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Funeral Services

A celebration of life may be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Condolences

    Joey Mills lit a candle and writes,
    Buddy was a fraternity brother. But most of all he was truly a friend to all. Rest In Peace Brother.
    02/11/2022 02:06 pm
    Sam Patterson lit a candle and writes,
    Buddy was a fellow founding father of NC Mu. RIP brother.
    02/11/2022 02:26 pm
    Angela Kenworthy lit a candle and writes,
    While saying goodbye to someone is never easy, I will be forever grateful for the generosity and kind spirit of my uncle. He stood tall teaching me how to be true to one’s self which has been one of the best gifts he ever gave me! Well, this and my very first Rick Springfield album. Solid second. While you will be missed my heart is full and thankful for our time together and at peace knowing you are now in a safe place, away from the struggle and pain.
    02/11/2022 04:19 pm
    Ted M Vergakis lit a candle and writes,
    Buddy had an open heart and mind, and was a friend to all. He will be missed.
    02/11/2022 04:22 pm
    Bishop Carl Lykes lit a candle and writes,
    Buddy was a wonderful friend with a great personality and loved to be the life of the crowd. He will be greatly missed especially at Homecoming.., RIP My Elon Brother.
    02/11/2022 05:01 pm
    Jim Miller writes,
    Some memories with Buddy include: when we went to Nippers Harbour and Buddy bought a piece of plywood and he was determined to go skiing with Eugene pulling him with his boat in the harbor. All of the great times we had in the family trailer parked in the VA family driveway listening to great tunes. I remember playing tennis with Buddy at Linda and Michael‘s wedding venue. I remember when we invited him over for lunch here in PA and he shows up at 9 am. He loved coming to our place for bbq’s when the family was all here. He even visited me at college back when he was a partier. I remember visiting him once and sleeping on his water bed. I remember him dancing at my wedding. This one especially hurts because he was from my generation. He was a great guy and will be sorely missed.
    02/11/2022 07:45 pm
    Dr. Barry W Simmons Sr writes,
    Buddy, Emory, was a frequent guest at my wife and my home in Elon during his latter years at Elon...we maintained contact until recently and always renewed contact during Elon's homecoming prior to the pandemic...while we are no longer residing in Elon, we maintained contact via email and telephone and were aware of his challenges and triunphs. Buddy is now at peace, bless his soul.
    02/11/2022 10:36 pm
    Cecilia Hirata lit a candle and writes,
    Dear family of Emory, It is so sad to hear of Emory’s passing. I worked with Him at DuPont over several years. Even after moving on we would often run into each other over these many years and would pick up our chat as though no time had passed. He was always so kind and found a way to make the best of whatever challenges came his way. I am so happy he found Mary to share his journey; their love for each other was obvious to everyone who saw them together. I pray God grants Emory eternal rest and you will soon remember all the happy moments in his company. With sincere sympathy, Cecilia Hirata
    02/12/2022 07:04 am
    Doug Durante lit a candle and writes,
    So Sorry to get this news--- Buddy was a link to many of us from that golden era of Sigma Phi Epsilon at Elon from the 1970's. He kept in touch with everyone and would always call and check in, passing word about how Brothers--and he always called us that-- were doing. Since he was the only person I knew in Delaware I'd laugh when I saw the 302 area code pop up on my screen because I knew it would be a status report and update on things from Buddy. Sig Ep meant the world to him and he will always be part of the Sig Ep history. Our condolences to the Boltons.
    02/12/2022 07:58 am
    David Crowder lit a candle and writes,
    Was saddened to hear about Buddy’s passing. I always enjoyed his messages,calls, and visits. He was a great brother and he will be missed by many. Rest In Peace Buddy Bolton.
    02/12/2022 09:08 am
    Bishop Carl Lykes lit a candle and writes,
    Buddy was a great friend and classmate, always ready for a great time. He will be greatly missed at Homecoming, and his loss to us is immeasurable, however the love left behind is also. Rest In Peace our Elon Brother❤️
    02/12/2022 11:17 am
    Jay Tutwiler writes,
    Buddy:I will miss your updates on our SigEp brothers and am grateful you kept me in the loop- fond memories of us sharing the loft in the old Fraternity House. May you be at peace.
    02/13/2022 06:20 pm
    Gemey (Goetz) Cameron lit a candle and writes,
    Dearest Mary, So sorry to hear of Emory's passing he was a wonderful caring friend. I appreciated his kindness to me and letting me know how you were doing. God bless you Sister. Love Gemey
    02/14/2022 11:49 pm
    Gerard Prilutski lit a candle and writes,
    Emory was a very social guy who liked to play bridge, go out for a movie and especially share a meal. He was always the one to organize activities and enjoyed having his friends from one part of his life meet friends from another part of his life. He will be missed.
    02/15/2022 06:08 am
    Gerard Prilutski lit a candle and writes,
    Emory was a friend. He was a very social guy. He enjoyed doing things with friends and having his friends meet others of his friends. We enjoyed playing bridge together, sharing a meal, going to the movies. He was the one who usually organized activities. He will be missed.
    02/15/2022 08:23 am
    Terry Wilbourn Wykel lit a candle and writes,
    Oh Buddy, how I miss those crazy teenage years that you and I and Linda and Phillip shared and found so much joy in!! Rest in Peace my old friend and neighbor!
    02/16/2022 08:34 am
    Dave Ryan lit a candle and writes,
    My sincerest sympathy to Family and friends of Emory. Emory was a friend and coworker at DuPont who would always greet you with a smile and friendly conversation. I appreciate his outgoing personality and team spirit whether at work or on the volleyball court or softball field. Rest in peace, Dave
    02/28/2022 09:10 am

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