1st Sergeant Ronald "Ronnie" Knox Bland retired, 72, of Pelahatchie passed away at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS on June 26, 2024. Ronnie, ever the soldier, fought a long, hard battle against many medical issues, and in the end won the ultimate battle by passing from this world to his heavenly home. Ronnie was known as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, but his greatest source of pride was being known as a soldier. He served proudly in the United States Army as a part of the 13th Signal Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division serving in both Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait. While serving in the military, Ronnie was awarded many distinguished military honors and awards. Those awards are as follows: The Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Six Medals of Good Conduct, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Sharpshooter Badge/ Rifle, Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal with one Service Star, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Three Bronze Stars, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. Ronnie was a man of deep dedication and integrity, which can be seen through not only his life in the military but his life after, as well.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents Knox and Mary Adale Bland. He is survived by his loving wife Carolyn Bland of Pelahatchie, MS, daughter Leslie Younger, son Paul Bland, both of Greenwood, MS., stepdaughter Carrie Beasley (Jeff), Haughton, LA, and stepson Jonathan Coley, Baton Rouge, LA. Grandchildren Brandon Younger, Thomas Younger, PJ Bland, Skylar Bland, Addie Bland, Hadley Belle Coley, Tucker Coley, Jaxson Beasley and Addison Beasley, and great grandchildren Braxton Younger and Sawyer Younger. Brothers Keith Bland (Connie) and Steve Bland (Jan) and several nieces, nephew, aunts and cousins.
Visitation will be Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 11:00am-1:00pm with the service to follow at Lodebar Church 675 Hwy 43 South, Pelahatchie, MS 39145. Internment will be in the church cemetery with full military rites.
