Tommy Bolus died peacefully at home on Sunday, May 30, 2021. He was surrounded by family and friends who prayed with him as he finished his journey here. He will be remembered far past his generation as a classic surfer, world class athlete, 1969 SC State champ wrestler, passionate historian, adventurous friend, infamous and personable lawyer, loyal husband, and a giving father and grandfather. He was a God fearing man of faith with a big heart who loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a Sunday School teacher in the "Teaching Friends" class at First Baptist Church of Charleston.
He was born September 16, 1951 to Dawson Earl and Martha Jean Hayslip Bolus. After graduating from the College of Charleston and the USC Law School, he was a lawyer for 45 years and served as a judge for the City of Folly Beach. He coached sports for kids and was President of the Little League Baseball Association in 1994.
From helping the homeless, advocating for the right to surf the Washout, to defending the defenseless in court; he never strayed away from the good fight. He truly was a sight to see as an authentic man. His spirit is carried on in his life by his wife, sons, and grands who love him.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Donna McLaurin Bolus; two sons, Ashton McLaurin (Courtney) Bolus and Dawson McLaurin (Elisa) Bolus; and four grandchildren, Max Oliver, Milly Vereen, Mae McLaurin and Ronan Clavier Bolus. He is also survived by his sister, Jeannie Lynn (Gary) Kaasa and two brothers, Robert Byron (Joy) Bolus and Dawson Keith (Kathy) Bolus.
His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Charleston with Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, June 4, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at J. Henry Stuhr Funeral Chapel, 232 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials for "Missions" to First Baptist Church of Charleston: 48 Meeting Street, Chas., SC 29401 or Folly Beach Baptist Church, P.O. Box 50, Folly Beach, SC 29439.