[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE PASSING OF CHARLES HAROLD ``CHUCK'' BOLTON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2010

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the life of 
Northwest Florida's beloved Charles Harold ``Chuck'' Bolton, Jr.
  Mr. Bolton is survived by his wife, Carola, and two daughters, Nicole 
and Rochelle. To his family and friends, I would like to offer my 
sincere condolences. Northwest Florida has suffered a great loss.
  Chuck Bolton was born on January 26, 1945 in Norfolk, Virginia. He 
was a proud and passionate man, who served his country with honor and 
distinction in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. In 1986, 
Mr. Bolton moved to Okaloosa County, located in Florida's First 
Congressional District. Over the next 24 years, Mr. Bolton served 
throughout the civic, business and church communities.
  His local leadership was acknowledged by the people of Mary Esther, 
Florida, who elected Mr. Bolton to serve as their Mayor from 2008 until 
his recent passing. He was a charismatic leader who believed in 
watching out for the needs of his fellow neighbors, and his connection 
to the voice of the people was unequivocally demonstrated when he 
became the first elected official to join the Fort Walton Beach Tea 
Party.
  His passion for service and his close relationships with the people 
of Northwest Florida was apparent to all those who knew him. He shared 
his knowledge with the people of Northwest Florida, teaching courses in 
Charitable Giving, Estate Planning, and Retirement at local colleges. 
His leadership in the business arena was also undeniable. He served as 
President of the North West Florida Planned Giving Council, Tallahassee 
Chapter of the International Association for Financial Planning and 
European Life Underwriters' Association.
  His immense leadership was recognized not only by his constituents, 
but also by the religious community of Northwest Florida, where he 
served as Chairman of the Okaloosa County Chapter of the Christian 
Coalition. Mr. Bolton also played an integral role as a fundraiser for 
numerous non-profit organizations, and his commitment to justice and 
equality was typified by his membership in the NAACP.
  As Deacon for the First Baptist Church of Mary Esther, Mr. Bolton 
served as an inspirational bedrock for the community, providing prayer 
and guidance to the people of Northwest Florida. He was a regular 
speaker at the Waterfront Mission, a noted church speaker for Gideon 
International, and was involved with several committees involving 
rehabilitation for individuals. His commitment to serving those in need 
was exemplified by his weekly Bible Study at an alcohol/drugs halfway 
house.
  To some Chuck Bolton will be remembered as a Mayor and steadfast 
public servant, and to others, a leader in the business and religious 
communities. To many children of Northwest Florida he will be 
remembered by his portrayal of Santa Claus, filling the hearts of 
children with warm Christmas joy. He will long be remembered by his 
family and friends as a loving and compassionate father, husband and 
companion; and we will all remember his energy, motivation, generosity, 
and commitment to serving his community. His impact on Northwest 
Florida will forever be remembered. Mr. Bolton was quoted as saying, 
``Mary Esther may not be heaven, but I can see heaven from my dock in 
Mary Esther.'' We can all take great solace knowing that Mr. Bolton is 
looking down on all of us from his new dock in heaven.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to 
honor the life of Chuck Bolton, and his living legacy.

                          ____________________