Rudolph Valentino Boone, Sr., born on July 20, 1927, in Norfolk, Virginia, gracefully reunited with the love of his life on August 20, 2023. He was preceded in passing by his cherished wife of 72 years, Sarah Elizabeth (Jenkins) Boone, who transitioned to glory in February 2022. Rudy Sr., born to the late Lizzie Miller Boone and Anderson Boone, was one of 12 siblings, now joined by his siblings in eternity: Blanche Boone, Ida Boone Jeanette, Sarah Lee Burch, Viola Boone, Melvina Mills, Caldonia Taylor, Irving Boone, William Boone, Anderson Boone, James Boone, and Bo Boone.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rudolph Valentino Boone, Sr. shone as a Loving and Christian Husband, Devoted Father, Father-in-law, Grandfather, Great- Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Teacher, Cousin, and loyal Friend. He is survived by his two children, Rudolph V. Boone Jr. (Renee) and Sharon Elizabeth Boone, as well as his cherished grandchildren, Alicia Le'Von Boone Jean-Noel (Herman) and Khori Michelle Petinaud (Wayne), Step Grandson, Brandan Lee Warner and great-grandchildren: Indigo Kaua'i Jean-Noel, Soleila Luna Jean-Noel, and Carver Elijah Petinaud. Rudolph was also the family historian, capturing decades of family history in three-ring binders and on ancestry.com.

Boone Sr. proudly served our country in the U.S. Army and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal (Japan). Rudolph V. Boone, Sr. was the first soldier of color to integrate the 392nd Army Band, stationed at Fort Lee, VA. He achieved the rank of SSG and was honorably discharged in 1947.

Educated within the Norfolk, VA Public School System, Rudy Sr. proudly graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. He furthered his educational journey at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College, now renowned as North Carolina A and T State University. Rudy Sr. embarked on his professional path in 1955 as a Band Director within the Winston-Salem / Forsyth County (WSFC) School system.

His pursuit of knowledge led him to attain a Master of Science degree from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois. Throughout his esteemed career, he served as Band Director in twenty-seven (27) schools in the WSFC metropolitan area, with his heart devoted to Carver High School, where he directed the band for over three decades. Boone Sr. organized talent shows at Carver High School, where he arranged music for the school jazz band. In addition to providing a learning experience for his students, this also served as a major fund-raiser for the school. His profound impact led to the band room at Carver being named in his honor. After 30 years of dedicated service, he retired from the WSFC school system.

When Rudy Sr. was not teaching or playing music, he was involved in local politics and playing bridge. Rudy Sr. and Sarah were also Kings and Queens Duplicate Bridge Club members. They both played in Bridge Tournaments and earned several trophies. They were also members of the Emancipation Association, and his work there earned him recognition for his volunteer service to the community and the association. He served as Precinct Chairman for several years and was a life member of the NAACP.

Rudy Sr. was no stranger to multitasking. He led his big band, "Rudolph Valentino and the Birdland Stars." He arranged music for this orchestra and secured gigs for the band throughout North Carolina and sometimes out-of-state. The band was known for their classic jazz and dapper-colored dinner jackets worn during their gigs.

A beacon within the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Rudy Sr., was initiated in fall of 1949. His remarkable contributions earned him the title of Omega Man of the Year thrice, alongside the esteemed Founders Award and Superior Service Awards.

Despite his busy schedule, He was proud to be present to give Rudy Jr. his first fraternity hand grip upon his initiation. In 1980, Rudy Sr. and Rudy Jr. were awarded "Omega Man of the Year" on the same night in 1980 and were featured in the fraternity news organ — "The Oracle." Boone Sr. assumed leadership roles, including the role of Basileus (President) of Psi Phi Chapter. His commitment to fostering Talent manifested in his orchestration of the Psi Phi Chapters Talent Hunt for nearly two (2) decades, nurturing countless students into professional musicians, educators, principals, and more. He was also proud to have Sharon and Rudy Jr. compete in several Talent Hunt programs.

Rudy Sr.'s unwavering faith found its home at Grace Presbyterian Church, where he served as Minister of Music for seven years. His harmonious devotion extended to Dellabrook Presbyterian Church, where he enriched the congregation's spirit as Minister of Music for over two decades. His faith led him to serve on the Deacon (Diaconate) Board and rise to the esteemed position of Elder in both congregations. He was ranked 4th Moderator of the Synod of the North Carolina Presbytery.

In the spirit of his generosity, the family kindly requests that memorial gifts be directed to Grace Presbyterian Church in honor of Rudolph Valentino Boone, Sr.

May Rudolph Valentino Boone, Sr.'s memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all whose lives he touched.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 3:30pm Friday, September 8, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home.

The family visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm Friday, September 8, 2023 at Grace Presbyterian Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Grace Presbyterian Church. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.