Arnold Obed Bolyard, 95, of Sinclair, passed away Friday, February 22, 2025, in his residence, with his wife, Sarah and daughter, Darlene by his side.
Arnold was born February 27, 1927, to Ira and Minnie Poling Bolyard, in the community of Sinclair, Preston Co.
Arnold was a veteran of the Korean War.
He worked at the Sterling Faucet Company of Saberton until his retirement after 43+ years.
Arnold and Sarah also ran a ceramic business for several years, first from their basement of their home, then they expanded a new facility beside their home in Arthurdale. He was a farmer, a rural bus driver for Sterling Faucet workers, and a gardener as well.
Arnold met Sarah Murray, and they were married March 10, 1947. They spent 50+ years in the Arthurdale community and after his retirement he and Sarah built a home on his family farm, where he resided until his death.
He is survived by his wife of 77 years, Sarah Murray Bolyard; and his daughter, Darlene Bolyard; along with many nieces and nephews, whom he always took great delight in having visits with.
Arnold was active with Arthurdale Heritage. He was a member of the Reedsville United Methodist Church until he moved to the Sinclair Community and then became a member of the Sinclair Methodist Church.
Arnold was preceded by his parents, Ira and Minnie and eight siblings.
Arnold was a loving husband, father, 4-H adopted grandfather, and a beautiful soul. He was there to help anyone that needed it. He was a diligent worker helping to provide for his family at an incredibly early age and continued to do so as husband and father. He often worked a full-time and one or two part-time jobs prior to his retirement.
One of his greatest joys and passions was working his farm. His cattle would follow him when he went into the field as though they were his children. He spent time raising goats as well, and he loved to raise a garden, which he would share with family and friends. He lived life to the fullest and never met a stranger. They were just friends he had not met yet.
Although Arnold has left this life, he will live in the hearts of those that knew and loved him forever. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and those whose lives he touched.
An old Irish thought tells us: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, and Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Our memories of Arnold will remain as his generosity and kindness has touched so many throughout the nearly 96 years he was with us.
Ghandi said, “There are no goodbyes for us…Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” Arnold will live in our hearts and memories forever.
“To live in hearts
we leave behind
is not to die.”
– Thomas Campbell
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Tributes and donations may be made, in his memory, to: Arthurdale Heritage, P.O. Box 850, Arthurdale, WV 26520 (ArthurdaleHeritage.org); or WV Caring, P.O. Box 760, Arthurdale, WV 26520 (WVCaring.org)
