Robert Earl (Bob) Bland, Sr., 88 of Wilmington, NC passed away Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023 at Lower Cape Fear Life Care Hospice. He was born September 7, 1934 in Wilmington to Earl S. Bland and Nellie Rogers Bland, both deceased. He was also predeceased by sons: Phillip L. Bland and David H. Bland, brothers: Jack Bland, Charles Bland, and sister Frances B. Toth and brother in law, Clinton Harley.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elaine Hattiway Bland of the home, sons: Robert E. Bland, Jr., and wife Praneet Tukta of Ocala, Florida and Donald E. Bland and wife Lisa of Wilmington and sister in law, Jean Harley of Wilmington. Six grandchildren: Ashley Bland and husband Sidney Rountree of Huntersville, NC, Megan Peterson and husband Micah Peterson of Wilmington, NC, Micah Bland of Wilmington, NC, Michael Bland and wife Joni of Cerro Gordo, NC, Minnie Sakulsakpinit-Bland of Offutt AFB, Nebraska and eight great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
He was a current member of Pine Valley Methodist Church, and a former member of Temple Baptist Church. At Temple he served as chairman of the Missions Committee and in 1979 was one of the original founders of Scotts Hill Baptist Church.
Bob graduated from New Hanover High School in 1952, was a US Veteran having served in the US Army from 1956 to 1959 as an E-5, a 60 year member of Masonic Lodge Orient 0395 and a former member of the Wilmington Lions Club.
He worked for Timme Corporation for 20 years, was the administrator for the former Catherine Kennedy Home at 3rd and Orange St. for 21 years.
Bob was a devoted Christian and spread the gospel to everyone he met. He was a very proud father of his three sons and their families with all his associated grands, great-grands and unofficially adopted family. He was a very loving and devoted husband to Elaine.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10am on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Pine Valley Methodist Church, 3788 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington with Pastor Tim Reaves officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park with Military Honors and Masonic Rites.
A Luncheon will follow immediately after the burial at Pine Valley Methodist Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Fisher House Foundation, Inc., 12300 Twin Brook Pkwy. Suite 41, Rockville, MD 20852, www.fisherhouse.org. or Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CobleGreenlawn.com for the Bland family.
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