Randolph Patrick “Randy” Bolen, Sr.

Randolph Patrick “Randy” Bolen, Sr. passed away peacefully on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the age of 77, at the Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, MS. A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. in West Hall of Waller Funeral Home in Oxford, Mississippi.

Randy was born on January 10, 1947, in Silver Springs, Maryland to the late Shelton Williams Bolen and the late Susan Jane Bolen. His family moved to Jackson, Mississippi when he was two years old. He grew up in the Belhaven neighborhood and attended the local area schools and Murrah High School. His junior year of high school he attended the Webb School in Bell Buckle, TN. This year sparked his interest in English and History and playing sports. He returned to Murrah High School and graduated with his classmates in the spring of 1965.

Randy attended Mississippi State University where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He enjoyed his role as a Pledge Trainer. Randy met his future wife at a summer Rush party. They were married in the spring of 1970. Randy accepted a job at Aetna in Birmingham, AL. He made great friends on his travels across Alabama. In 1973, Randy and Lydia settled back in Jackson, MS. His career expanded as he worked several years at Paine Webber. Randy had an affinity for the commodities market. His job took him across the Mississippi Delta, meeting many soybean and rice farmers. His customers became close friends in business and in his many cherished hunting adventures.

Randy was dubbed a true Renaissance man by his closest friends. He had many interests and hobbies, following through each with relentless passion. Deer and duck hunting were his passions for most of his years. Randy had a deep love for animals. His loves were his Arabian horse, Miranda, and his Weimaraner, Gunny. His other hobbies were golfing, cycling, and flying a Cessna airplane. Randy’s last job was as a land man for Miller Land. He was well suited for this job because he loved seeking land leases in small towns across Mississippi. Randy and Lydia raised their three children in Jackson, MS. Amanda was born in 1975. They welcomed twins Patrick and Katie in 1978. The whole family attended Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church in Ridgeland, MS.

Randy’s favorite saying about a person he admired he was “He’s a good man.” He was considered a “good man” himself. Randy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lydia Berryhill Bolen. A son, Randolph Patrick Bolen Jr, his wife, Whitney; daughter Amanda Bolen Brown and husband, David; daughter Lydia Bolen Winstead and husband, Brad. Grandchildren Madeline Grace Brown, Jonathan David Brown, Lydia Elaine Brown, Nashua Whitfield Bolen, William Bradley Winstead, and Braden Patrick Winstead. They all affectionately called him “Bo.”

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Randy’s memory to the Sanctuary Hospice House, P.O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS, 38803, or online at https://www.sanctuaryhospicehouse.com.