Glynn Sylvester Boles

Glynn Sylvester Boles was born April 24, 1932. He was the oldest son, second oldest child to the late William Boles and Edna Wiggins Boles Stewart of Islandton, S.C. He entered into eternal rest surrounded by his loving family on Monday, August 28, 2023, at the age of 91 years old. As a child, he rode his bike 34 miles roundtrip to school in Walterboro, S.C. On some days, his bike needed repairs and this was the beginning of his passion to fix things! At an early age, Glynn’s mother instilled in him that education is the hallmark and pathway to survival and success. So he did as he was told and followed his mother’s advice. He made sure that the bike was in “tip top” condition for traveling to and from school each and every day. Mr. Boles, affectionately known as GB, Boles, or Glynn was educated in the public schools of Colleton County. He furthered his education by attending Denmark Area Trade School in Denmark, S.C. and graduated from South Carolina State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts Education. His employment carried him to Greenwood, S.C. where he trained young students in vocation and automotive repairs all while raising his three children. He taught automotive mechanics at the former Brewer High School and Greenwood Vocational School, respectively. After many years of dedicated teaching, Mr. Boles was promoted to the position of Assistant Principal. Boles was an entrepreneur and upon retiring from the school district he was afforded more time to expand his business….and that he did! His first gasoline/service station used the former brand names Pure Oil and Union 76. He later moved to the current location on East Cambridge Avenue with name changes to Boles Enterprise and Boles Bus Lines, Inc. chartering bus trips and excursions along the East Coast from Maine to Florida. He became the first ambulance service for African Americans, and operated the first City Bus that ran throughout the city of Greenwood. He provided towing services, vehicle paint jobs, automotive repairs from oil changes to rebuilt engines, as well as selling convenient foods, snacks, and supplies…and the famous “Boles’ Hot Dogs”. His business brought jobs and services to the Greenwood community allowing them to feed their families, purchase homes, and attend colleges. He was also affiliated with the Mason, Who’s Who Among Black Businesses, and was a Salvation Army Board Member. Mr. Boles loved the Lord and relied on Him for his life’s journey. Brother Boles joined Morris Chapel Baptist Church of Greenwood, S.C. early on and was a lifetime member where he served as a former Chairman of the Usher Board and Trustee. He also served on the Greenwood County Zoning Board for many years. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving as a military police officer.

Glynn Boles was preceded in death by his son Howard “Butch” Boles, three sisters, Jaunita Devore, Earnestine Meyers and Mary Boles; two brothers, Hercules and McQuillan Boles.

He leaves to cherish fond memories his wife, Betty Boles of the home, daughters Tonya Boles of Rocky Mount, NC and Jewel Boles Awkard (George) of Suitland, MD, and Stacie Coats (Quency) of Clarksville, TN, a brother,  Edward Boles (Earleane) of Greenwood, SC, a brother in law, Willie Devore of Fairfax, SC ; grandchildren, Michael Jones, Jr., Leon “Faruq” Awkard, Nickolus Glynn Boles, Kinslee, Aspen, and Quentin Coats.  A hosts of wonderful nieces, nephews and other relatives to mourn his passing.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Glynn Sylvester Boles, please visit our floral store.