Willie James Boulware (affectionately called Bo) 76 of Charlotte, passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Novant Health Presbyterian.

The Child

Willie James Boulware (affectionately called Bo), was born on October 24, 1945, to the late, Flemon and Martha Bennett Boulware. He was preceded in death by his older brother Douglas Boulware and his sister Carol Ann Boulware. Bo attended Charlotte Mecklenburg public schools and earned his college degree in Industrial Arts from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He was a lifelong member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC where Dr. Casey Kimbrough is the senior pastor. He peacefully departed this life on Thursday, January 6, 2022.

Bo cherished many memories of his youth that included Sunday school, Bible study and making a homemade go-cart that he raced on Campus Street. As a student at West Charlotte Senior High School, Bo participated and was honored in several sports including: track, basketball, and a being a varsity letterman in football.

The Man

Willie James attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC. In 1968, while attending college, he was drafted into the army. Bo completed a tour of duty in Vietnam. Determined to finish what he started, after his tour of duty in Vietnam, Bo continued his education earning a degree in Industrial Arts from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University . In 1970, he married his high school sweetheart who preceded him in death in 2012.

Bo found great joy in maintaining his fellowship with many Aggie friends especially during football season and homecoming festivities. In 2017, Bo reconnected with his Aggie love, Connie P. Woods of Ayden, NC. They married in March of 2018 sharing found memories and making moments until his death.

The Teacher

After graduating from college, Bo returned to Charlotte and taught industrial arts, drafting, and career and technical education in the Charlotte Public School System. Mr. Boulware, as he was affectionately known, coached boys and girls track and field sports, and basketball. Mr. Boulware also served as head coach and athletic director for middle school. Bo always thought that healthy competition and student participation were key elements of a successful sports program. He often received the fruit of his labor when students would graciously thank him for sharing facts; helping them when seeking employment; and advising them when confronted with problems. He was a mentor, a coach, a teacher, and friend.

The Friend

Bo never met a stranger and always extended help to those in need. He often made tough situations bearable by relating them to a joke or a lesson to be learned from the mishap. Bo used his carpentry skills to help friends and neighbors but refused to be reimbursed. Bo's backyard garden was his pride and joy. He shared the produce with family and friends. He was an avid cook and loved to share his culinary talent especially on holidays like Mother's Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas. He always went the extra mile to make folks feel welcome and never let you leave the gathering without packing a meal for the next day.

The Family

Willie James Boulware leaves a legacy of love to his beloved wife, Connie Woods Boulware of the home; one step-daughter whom he affectionately nick-named "Big Mama", Jessalyn Woods Peterkin (Joel) of Greensboro, NC, two step-granddaughters Dwyla and Jordan Pearson both of Greensboro, NC; one sister Lehester B. Davis of Lugoff, SC; four sisters-in law; Barbara Boulware of Ocala, Fl, Mamie Holmes of Bronx, NY, Marion Evans of Ayden, NC, Leatrice Artis (Robert) of Ayden, NC; four brothers-in law, James C. Woods, Sr. (Carrie) of Ayden, NC, Travis L. Woods, Sr. (Janet) of Ayden, NC, Jonathan D. Woods of Bronx, NY; Michael T. Woods (Ramona) of Greensboro, NC; three nephews: Brian Boulware, Lateef Jamal Boulware, Sr., Kerrick W. Faulkner all of Charlotte, NC; two nieces Bonita Boulware of Charlotte, NC, Lana Fenn (Matthew) of Orlando, Fl; one great-niece Andrea Nicole Boulware of Charlotte, NC; one great, great niece Layla Boulware of Charlotte, NC; two great-nephews Troy Fenn of Orlando, Fl, and Lateef Jamal Boulware, Jr. of Charlotte, NC and a host of other cousins and friends.

Appreciation and Acknowledgements

The family wishes to thank Tamika China and Nesha Thompson of Home Instead Senior Care; the medical teams of Novant Presbyterian Hospital and Veteran's Administration Hospital. To the loving and caring neighbors of our community. We wholeheartedly appreciate every prayer and act of kindness extended to us during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to either of the organizations listed below honoring the life of Willie James Boulware:

North Carolina A and T State University Alumni and Athletic Foundations (Greensboro, NC)

Mount Carmel Baptist Church (Charlotte, NC)

West Charlotte High School Class of 1964 Alumni (Charlotte, NC)