James Louie "Boots" Tolbert

James Louie "Boots" Tolbert, Sr., 92, of Creekside Dr., Morganton, NC passed away Thursday, September 11, 2008 at College Pines Nursing Center after a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on December 28, 1915, he was a son of the late Frank and Mabel Tolbert. Following his graduation from Morganton High School, "Boots" served with the U. S. Army during World War II as a Staff Sergeant with Company E., 175th Engineers. His active service took him to Tunisia, Sicily, Naples, Rome, Algeria and the French Moroccan Campaign. Upon returning from WWII, "Boots" proudly served for 21 years as a First Sergeant in the NC National Guard. He was employed for a number of years as an electrician at Morganton Furniture Company prior to starting his own company, Tolbert Electric. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Morganton where for over 41 years he was a member of the Huffman Bible Class."Boots" was an avid golfer and former member of Mimosa Hills Golf and Country Club. For many years, he attended the Masters Golf Tournament in August, GA with his son, Buzz, and his grandson, Mark.Along with his parents, Boots" was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Paralee "Sis" Ramsey Tolbert; his son, James Louie "Buzz" Tolbert, Jr.; a son-in-law, Allen Lambert; brothers, Bill, Joe, Ray, and Harold Tolbert; and sisters, Irene Hyatt and Evelyn Irvin.

Surviving are his daughter, Barbara Tolbert Lambert; a grandson, Mark Allen Lambert; and a host of loving family members.The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 13, 2008 in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church, Morganton with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr., Rev. Fred Schuszler, and Rev. Dr. Bob D. Shepherd officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends in the Agape classroom located in the Kistler House of First Baptist Church from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at the home of Barbara Lambert, 106 Creekside Dr., Morganton. Memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church or the Huffman Class of First Baptist Church, P. O. Drawer 459, Morganton, NC 28680, or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.