ANDERSONVILLE- Memorial services for Retired Sgt. Maj. Of the Army, Ruben Samuel “Sam” Bolton, 81, were held at 2 p.m., Monday, Sept. 26, 2016 at Andersonville National Cemetery. Rev. Damon Fountain officiated the service. He diedThursday night, July 28, 2016 at his residence. He was the son of the late Crawford Bolton and the late Pearl Holcombe Bolton.

Full military honors were given. The Albany American Legion Post 30 provided a 21 gun salute. The American flag was folded by SGT Lopez and SGT Parrish. The flag was presented to Mrs. Bolton by MSG Diggs. Taps was played by PFC Berry.

Mr. Bolton gave over 24 years of service to the United States. He served in the United States Army during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Mr. Bolton served in Puerto Rico as well at the Pentagon. He was a member of the VFW and was a sports enthusiast. He was also a member of Northern Heights Baptist Church. All of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren lovingly called him “Sam Pa.”

He was the recipient of numerous awards: five Good Conduct Medals, Rep. of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Rep. of Vietnam Service Medal, Rep. of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palms and a Bronze Star. He also received the Korean Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, National Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Legion of Merit and a Presidential Unit Citation.

Mr. Bolton is survived by his wife: Jean Bolton of Cordele; his daughter and son-in-law: Kathy and Derwin Hall of Arabi; three grandsons: Chad (Anna) Hall of Cordele, Clay (Stacey) Hall of Carson City, Nev. and Chase Hall of Cordele; two great-granddaughters: Ella Kate and Elizabeth Hall of Cordele; and his sisters: Jane Britt and Lorraine Williams both of Cordele.

Online condolences may be left at www.hughesandwright.com. Hughes & Wright Funeral Home, Inc. was entrusted with these arrangements.