Obituary of Albert Benson Boland

Albert Benson Boland, 77, passed at his home on Sunday, April 7, 2024. He was the son of Edward and Lucille Reasonover Boland. Born and reared in Orangeburg, South Carolina, he was a graduate of Orangeburg High School. He graduated from the University of South Carolina and was a lifelong Gamecock fan. (We are sure he arrived at the gates of heaven in time to cheer the USC Women’s Basketball team on to their National Championship and help insure their victory!)

Al was the longtime owner of Northeast Floral Center in Columbia along with his late partner in business and in life, George Greene. He was active in the South Carolina Florist Association, serving in many capacities including President. He was the South Carolina Florist of the year in 1998. Al was known as “Mr. Owl”, a mishearing of his name, to a generation of children in Columbia whose parents were his friends. He celebrated their births, birthdays, dance recitals, proms, weddings, and other special events with flowers to commemorate every occasion.

Following his retirement from the floral industry, Al was a noted barkeep in Columbia, having worked at The Ole Place, Friends and The Ale House. Known as OPAL – short for Over Pouring AL -- he was notorious for giving customers a healthy pour and a great time filled with much laughter.

Al is survived by his children, Todd Boland of Asheville, North Carolina, and his son, Jordan Boland and Kimberly Boland Sharpe of Irmo, her husband, Brian, and her children, Adam Elsey and Allie Elsey. He is also survived by George’s sister, Mary Martha Greene of Columbia. In addition, he leaves behind a host of devoted friends who loved him dearly.

Burial services will be private, and a celebration of his life is planned for May 15, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ole Place, 3311 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29204. Al and George both loved animals, particularly dogs, and during their time together owned Rhett, Duchess, Mako, Yobi and Prez. In honor of this love of animals, memorials may be made to the Columbia Animal Mission at animalmission.org, or the charity of one’s choice.

The South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.