There likely aren’t many offices or departments at Clark Atlanta University that haven’t been touched by Roy Bolton.
When he retired in 2000, he was the director of administrative services. But when he began working at Clark College in 1960, he was a bookkeeper.
“It was his second love,” said daughter Althea Bolton.
“But I think sometimes my mother wondered if she was his second love,” she added with a laugh.
An Atlanta native, Bolton spent more than half of his life on the campus of the college, formerly known as Clark College and Atlanta University. He earned his undergraduate degree in business there and his master’s degree in accounting. As an employee in the 1980s, he had a hand in the successful merger of the two schools.
“You could call his name anywhere on campus or among alumni, everybody knew the name Roy Bolton,” said Winfred Harris, a long-time friend, classmate and colleague.
Roy Lee Bolton died Thursday from complications related to heart failure. He was 80.
A funeral is planned for 11 a.m., Wednesday at Hunter Hill First Missionary Baptist Church, Atlanta. Herschel Thornton Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Bolton first arrived at Clark College in 1950, after graduating from Booker T. Washington High School. After graduating from college in 1954, he enlisted in the Army, where he served until 1956. Upon his return to Atlanta, Bolton enrolled at Atlanta University and graduated with his master’s degree in 1958.
“After he graduated, he was asked to stay and work for the school,” his daughter said. “He was a very good student.”
While employed at Clark and Clark Atlanta, he supervised the post office, plant operations, the print shop, purchasing and food service, just to name a few areas. He also served in leadership positions in the office of business affairs and personnel. He even took tickets during many campus sporting events, his daughter said.
Bolton was known as a man who would gladly help students, staff and faculty, said colleague Phyllis McCrary.
“He would work with you,” she said. “And you could tell how caring he was as he talked to you.”
Bolton’s retirement didn’t keep him away from campus, friends and family said. Alumni meetings and lunches with old friends often brought him back, McCrary said.
“He knew the school,” said Harris. “If a student came to me with a problem, I sent him or her to Roy Bolton. If it could get done, Roy could get it done.”
In addition to his daughter, Bolton is survived by his wife of 56 years, Eugenia Bolton; sons, Roy Davis, Reginald Bolton and Jayson Martin all of Atlanta; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
About the Author
