Bret Alexander Bolyard

Bret Alexander Bolyard, 35, of Kingwood, WV, went home to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025.

Bret was born in Oakland, MD, to Roger Watkins and Robin Bolyard on November 11th, 1989. Raised outside of Terra Alta on top of Caddell Mountain, he loved to be outside playing and riding anything with an engine. His father drove tractor and trailer over the road and would take him along for weeks at a time, which he loved and always looked forward to. While at home, he also learned how to repair small engines and automobiles with his grandfather, Donald Bolyard.

At 14 years old, Bret was severely injured, almost losing his life after a four-wheeler accident. The result of this rendered him unable to walk, and many months of rehabilitation were needed to prepare him for a life full of obstacles. Bret was fortunate to have an aunt, Sandy, who he loved dearly and shared the same affliction and was a great inspiration to him. He also met another recently disabled man named Jeremy Garlits while in rehab, who also helped to inspire him. Jeremy and his father Tim treated him like family, and that kindness will always be appreciated by all of our family.

With the support of his entire family, Bret charged ahead and earned his GED. Never wanting things handed to him, he started into the workforce despite being told that he would be unable to do many of the tasks everyone else could do with ease. His determination and drive were undeniable, and anyone who saw or worked with him was amazed at the lengths he would go just to show he was just as capable as anyone else. In and out of his chair, under vehicles to work on them, up and down stairs to his apartment with no help—he was not afraid to work hard and prove himself. He did all the things he loved to do in spite of his injuries and his condition.

Bret had a large family spanning three states: his oldest brother, Eric Watkins and wife Amanda; sister Becky Chapman and husband Keith; and youngest sister Tiffani Watkins, as well as his nieces and nephews: Bradley and Ashlee Watkins, Lexi Watkins, and Carson Watkins; Blailey Blankenship, Landon Chapman, Peyton Chapman, and Amelia Landaverde, all in Ohio. His oldest brother and sisters’ mother, Babette, and Carl Rittenour were also considered close and treated Bret like family.

His father Roger Watkins and wife Momma (Lorri) of Baltimore, MD; Richard Slomba Jr., Kyle Slomba and wife Savanna; and Aunt Bonnie Zander, who loved him dearly.

His mother Robin Bolyard; brother Donald Bolyard; grandmother Norma Bolyard; cousins as close as brothers, Phil Graham and wife Jennifer, Eric Graham and wife Jessica; nephew Trevor Bolyard; and cousins Chase Graham, Cole Graham, Kaylie Graham, MacKenzie Graham, and Cassidy Graham—all of WV.

Bret had a deep love for his family and was devoted to protecting them, making sure to always take time for them. He visited his brother and sisters in Ohio as often as he could, riding his motorcycle up the whole way. He loved being an uncle and took that job very seriously, always keeping pictures hung up to keep them in mind when he was away. He even left little notes and reminders of him when he left to go back home, truly showcasing his care and love for them. During summers in West Virginia, he watched his nephew Trevor during the day and taught him many things, as an uncle does—things that will last a lifetime in the mind of a child. He kept in close contact with his dad and Momma Lorri, talking most every day and visiting back and forth, always keeping their bond tight and fortified. They also sent him surprises in the mail, showing that he was in their thoughts always. His mother stopped by most every day, as mothers do, just to check on him and see her baby boy or to take him to a doctor’s appointment for his wounds. His grandma Norma came over to stay and visit a while, keeping him company when his wounds were on the mend or when she was on the mend and needed care as well.

The family would also like to acknowledge Tom Harned and his wife Linda, Journey, and Tom’s son Vinny, as they were close friends of Pudge and his grandfather Don. We would like to thank Journey for letting us know that she saw Pudge going up to heaven through the clouds the day he passed. She cared very much for him, and he for her. The family would also like to thank his close friend Stephanie Wolfe and her children—Jadyn, London, Rayanah, and Alona. Pudge loved and cared for you all very much.

Bret (known to most as Pudge or Bub) had another family as well—a tight-knit group of brothers and sisters that he shared the road with. Pudge loved motorcycles, and thanks to the help of Sam and Misty McCrobie, who purchased his bike until he was able to make it his own, he finally had his freedom and the ability to split the wind! He referred to it as his church, and where he found God was on that bike. He had a deep respect for our veterans and any who needed uplifting or aid. He and his brothers would hold poker runs to fundraise for these individuals and be of whatever support they could.

He and his brothers would hold poker runs to fundraise for these individuals and be of whatever support they could. To his close friend and brother Pete Schroyer and wife Mandy; Little Paul, Arlen, Dolph, Trump, Thorny, Benson, Banjo, Sam and Misty, and so many more—we thank you for loving and caring for Pudge and keeping him safe.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. God bless all who prayed and who are still praying for Bret and his family—and also the very special wound care nurses who have been assisting in his care.

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