Robert S. Boles (Bob), passed away on June 15, 2026, at the age of 84.
He was born in McMinnville, TN, on June 19, 1941, and lived most of his life in Kingsport, TN.
After graduating from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1959, he graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1964. He was taught to be a dispensing optician by his ophthalmologist father during his summers off from college. He opened his first optical store in 1967, Kingsport Optical in downtown Kingsport. In 1976, he opened his second store, Specks' N Shades in the Ft Henry Mall. The two stores were combined and moved to Stone Dr in 1986 until his retirement in 2013. Bob took pride in providing the best eyewear for his customers.
On weekends and holidays, Bob was often found on his houseboat "Twenty- Twenty" enjoying Watauga Lake with family and friends. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Kingsport and enjoyed singing in the Sounds of Faith and the Sanctuary Faith choirs.
He was preceded in death by his wife Suzanne Stone Boles, parents Dr. James H. Boles and Catherine Rupert Boles, and brother Rupert Boles.
Bob is survived by his son, Chase Boles (Carol); grandchildren, Olivia Boles Moss (Conner), Jared Boles, and Seth Boles; sister-in-law, Beverly Stone; nieces, Kelly Stone Shelton (Chad) and Whitney Stone; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Sanctuary Choir-Scholarship Fund or a charity of one's choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church, 200 W Church Circle, Kingsport, TN at 2:00 pm, Sunday, July 12, 2026.
