John Allen Bolton, 89, of Shelby passed away on Friday June 9, 2023.

Born May 12, 1934, in Queens, New York, he was the son of the late John and Dorothy Phillips Bolton. He was preceded in death by a sister, Marion Northrup.

John graduated from Mount Saint Mary's College in Emmitsburg, Maryland. John worked in retail and was a store manager for Woolworth's, Mason's, Sky City and Walmart. John was a family man, and he loved the Lord.

Left to cherish fond memories is his loving wife of 61 years, Hazel Herr Bolton, whom he affectionately called "Lovey". In addition to his wife are three sons: Steve Burgess (Kim) of Ridgeway, Virginia, Craig Bolton (Brenda) and Keith Bolton, both of Shelby; four grandchildren: Julia Bolton, Will Bolton (Sarah), Craig Bolton Jr. and Emily Nieto (John); two great-grandchildren: Baxter Bolton and Isabel Nieto; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Some of John's hobbies were listening to his favorite music from the Big Band Era, sports, reading, and being a faithful member at Buffalo Baptist Church in Shelby. John especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of John's life will held Friday, June 16 at 12 o'clock, in the sanctuary of Buffalo Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Dustin Mace & Rev. Shawn Hendricksen. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorials be made in John's memory to the Buffalo Baptist Building Fund, 108 Buffalo Church Road, Shelby, NC 28150.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.