William Elizah Bolden was born in Bibb County Alabama on January 2, 1940 to the late Gentle Bolden and the late Geneva Newel Bolden.

He attended Bibb County School System in Bibb County, Alabama. William joined Mount Nebo Baptist Church in Marvel, AL where he accepted Christ at an early age. He later went to Columbia Technical School in Lake City, Florida for Small Engine Repair.

After moving back to Alabama, he met Barbara Jean Staffney, and was united in Holy Matrimony on June 25, 1973. He then joined Mount Olive Baptist Church in Wilton, AL under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Albert L. Jones.

He was employed at Montevallo Refractory (City Pitt) in Montevallo, Alabama and ABC Rail of Calera, Alabama. William worked for ABC Rail for 28 years where he retired. He loved working on Lawn Mowers, small engines, playing the guitar and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Markell Perez Bolden and his siblings: Margaret Steele, Clara, Sadie Mae Johnson, Adell Murphy, Irene, Naomi Smith, John, Bill, J.D., and Henry Bolden.

William departed his earthly journey on November 13, 2017 at his home in Montevallo, AL surrounded by his family.

He leaves to cherish his memories, a loving and devoted wife of forty-four years, Barbara Jean Staffney Bolden. Four sons: Eric (Tasheka) Burns, William (Shantrice ) Burns, Johnathon (Rachel) Bolden and Artice (Yeshika) Bolden all of Montevallo, AL. Three daughters: Sophia (Michael) Cottingham- Montevallo, AL, Stephanie (David) Leak- Vestavia, AL and Erica Bolden- Montevallo, AL and a grand-daughter that he raised as his own Shakita Staffney, Montevallo, AL. Sixteen grandchildren, Nine great grand children. Brother in laws: Thelman Smith of Lake City, FL. Jimmy Staffney, Anthony Staffney, Michael (Dandria) Staffney, all of Wilton, AL; Sisters in Laws: Bertha McCarter- Trussville, AL, Deloris Smitherman, Carolyn (Larry) Coleman, Montevallo, AL , Cheryl (LC) Young-Brierfield, AL, Tanya (Wayne) Adams- Plantersville, AL, Pamela Staffney, and Tara Evans- Wilton, AL and Debra Staffney-Montevallo, AL, four nieces he loved as his own: Eva Jean Johnson, Phyllis Julks, Patrisha Coker and Ruth Canton and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends ,

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 12:00 Noon at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Wilton with burial at Montevallo Cemetery.