Class of 1955
1955 Maroon Spotlight
Derrold Bolay
Band 50-55, FFA 50-55, Wrestling 52-55.
1955 Graduation EditionPerry Daily Journal
Derrold Lee Bolay, 18, is winding up 12 years as a student in the Perry school system with graduation this month from Perry high. The son of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bolay, he was born March 18, 1837, in Perry. His interests are varied, but agriculture is his favorite subject. He has been a member of the Future Farmers of America since 1951. Bolay also has been in the band since 1950 and has gone out for wrestling since 1952. He was a member of a brass quartet in 1951-52 which won three ratings of excellent. This year he was a member of a brass sextet which took two superior ratings. Derrold’s plans for after graduation are undecided.
Derrold Lee Bolay
March 18, 1937 — January 2, 2025
Derrold Lee Bolay, 87, of Red Rock, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Born in Perry, on March 18, 1937, he was the son of Clarence Bolay and Gertrude Viola Linden Bolay. Derrold spent his early years in the Red Rock and Perry communities, graduating from Perry High School in 1955. He continued his education at Northern Oklahoma College.
On August 25, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Vera Mae Sullins, in Ceres, Oklahoma. They shared a beautiful life together until her passing in 2022.
He built a successful career in the oil industry owning and operating Bolay Oil Company for many years. In addition to his work in oil, he also was a dedicated farmer and rancher.
In his leisure time, Derrold enjoyed playing cards, watching Western movies and football, and visiting the casino. Known for his outgoing personality, he was affectionately called a “social butterfly.” He cherished his time at True Value, where he had his own chair to sit and chat with friends. Derrold also gave back to his community by serving on the Red Rock School Board for many years.
He leaves behind a loving family: children, Terry Bolay (Joan) of Perry, OK, Sandra Beier of Edmond, OK, Daniel Bolay (Anita) of Perry, OK, and Lee Ann Gregory (David),of Stillwater, OK; sister: Joann McCollough, League City, TX; grandchildren: Megan Gregory, Waylon Bolay (Ashley), Ashlie Sadler (Tyler), Clayton Sleeger (Amanda), Addie Sleeger, Shelby Knori (Matt), Melissa Colasacco (Tony), Robyn Buie (Brian), Bryan Bolay (Kendra), Brandt Bolay (Patricia), Mikel Hayes Carolyn), Jerrod Hayes (McKinsey), Caleb Hayes (Kamber), Whitney Wolff (Wyatt) , Amy Adams (Kevin), Brandon Bolay, DeAnna Hinkle (Jesse), Michelle Skidgel (Jeremy), and Laura Mc Connell (Doug); and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.
Derrold was preceded in death by his wife, Vera; parents; a son, Dale Bolay; sisters, Betty Nolte and Linda Warner; son-in-law, Robert Beier; and great grandson, Maddox Lassiter.
Graveside services will take place at 3 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2025, at Grace Hill Cemetery in Perry, officiated by Ronnie Wilson.