Ervin J.V. Bolin, age 90, went to be with the Lord on July 16, 2021. He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at his home in Kings Mountain. Larger than life, J.V. (while these were just initials, he coined himself "James Valentino" in his Navy days) lived many places in North and South Carolina. Born in Smyrna, South Carolina on August 25, 1930, he was the oldest of Madison Monroe and Hester Hudson Bolin's nine children. Though he moved frequently during his early childhood, Kings Mountain was home. He graduated high school in 1949 from Bethware and joined the Navy shortly afterwards. After enlisting in the Navy, he took a train across the country to San Diego, California for basic training. From there, he sailed on the U.S.S. J. E. Kyes (DD-787) to serve in the Korean War. He often reminisced of the experiences he had during this time. After returning from serving in the Navy, J.V. married his high school sweetheart, Florene Chapman (known and loved as "Rene"). They celebrated their 59th anniversary before Rene's death on December 15, 2013. They had two boys: Dennis, the creative, and Danny, the athlete. After a short stint in Charlotte, J.V. and his family built a house (that is now filled to the brim with memories) on the farm where he spent his childhood. J.V. retired in 1990 after spending 40 years with Winn-Dixie. A grocery store man to the end, he always enjoyed perusing produce departments. Over the past year, he did this with the love and support of his former "price changer" and current daughter-in-law, Leslie Bolin. An avid farmer, he was proud of his Black Angus cows and summer garden. A rabid sports fan, he pulled for the Atlanta Braves (as well as every team that boasted one of his grandchildren as a player). A saved man, he was a life-long member and attendee of David Baptist Church. A storyteller, he loved sharing his past with any willing audience. A child at heart, J.V. loved traveling, music, and a good hound dog. As a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather he was proud of his family.

J.V. is survived by his eight younger siblings: Max Bolin (and wife Joyce), Hazel Wilson, "Lib" Gault, Faye Brock, "Pat" Cover, "Becky" Dye, Joyce Shuford (and husband "Buzz"), and Bob Bolin (and wife Jean). His sons and their wives: Dennis Bolin and wife Leslie, and Danny Bolin and wife Melany. His grandchildren: Christina ("Crissy") Huitt and husband Justin, Adam Bolin and wife Sarah, Drew Bolin and wife Soma, Courtney Bolin and husband William Gabler, McKenzie Phillips and husband Dustin, Noah Bolin, Zac Bolin, Zoie Bolin, Daniel Bolin, and David Bolin. His great-grandchildren: Gabriel, Gideon, and Maddie-Grace (the children of Justin and Crissy Huitt); Gracee, Abbee, and Chloee (the children of Adam and Sarah Bolin), and Bree and Harper (the children of Dustin and McKenzie Phillips).The family wishes to thank the many friends and loved ones who called, visited, and loved J.V. over the past few years. especially those who kept in touch throughout the pandemic.

The funeral will be held at David Baptist Church in Kings Mountain on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Brian Taule officiating. Visitation will be before the funeral from 1:00 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. at the church. He will be interred at the David Baptist Church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to David Baptist Church Missions Fund, 2300 David Baptist Church Road, Kings Mountain, North Carolina 28086 or Tri-County Animal Rescue, P O Box 483, Alexis, NC 28006.

Arrangements are with Harris Funeral Home in Kings Mountain.

Condolences may be made online at www.harrisfunerals.com.

ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA