Reverend Robert Bland

Reverend Robert Bland, Sr., the son of the late Joe and the late Lenora Spruill Bland was born in Martin County on July 6, 1933. Robert was the fourth of fifteen children born into the Bland family. On Monday morning, June 18, 2018, an angel of peace entered Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, NC and released Reverend Robert Bland, Sr. from suffering. Robert was educated in the Martin County Public Schools. At an early age, he accepted Christ as his personal savior. He served Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church for many years as a Sunday School facilitator, deacon and minister. Reverend Robert Bland later served as Pastor of two churches, Mt. Sinai Baptist Church and Pleasant Grove in Hyde County, North Carolina. Robert became a member of Macedonia Baptist Church of Oak City until his health failed. On July 11, 1954, Robert married Bertha Lee Draughn. To this union, seven beautiful children were born. Robert loved serving the Martin County community. He worked in the Martin County School System at Williamston High School. “Mr. Bland” worked in facilities maintenance as well as a bus driver for the students at Williamston High School until his retirement. Robert was also a great entrepreneur, managing with his wife, Bland’s Cleaners and Bland’s Taxi Service. He also found time to work in the Funeral Service industry with JD Everett Funeral Home and Congleton Funeral Home. He was preceded in death by one son, Roy Lionel Sr.; two grandsons, Tarik and Darnell; one great- grandson, King ; six siblings, Beulah Mae, Edward Lee, Joe, Dollie, William “Mack” and Alma Marie. Robert leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Bertha of the home; two sons, Robert Bland, Jr. ( Bobby) of Williamston, NC and Antonio Bland of Brooklyn, NY; four daughters, Brenda Bland Rodgers( Michael), Linda Kay Bland both of Williamston, NC, Gwenda Bland of Greenville, NC, Marilyn Demetrice Bland of Charlotte, NC; 10 grandchildren, 10 great- grandchildren; seven great -great grandchildren; three brothers, Oscar Bland of New Haven, CT, Arthur Bland and Vernon Bland ( Peggy) both of Williamston, NC; five sisters, Lucy Ebron of Stokes, NC, Lou Gladys Duggins of Williamston, NC, Elsie Warner of New York, Millie Washington ( Orlando) of South Carolina, Rachel Williams ( Nate) of Portsmouth, VA; two sisters- in- law, Dr. Rae Newson ( Dr. Roosevelt) of Kennesaw, Georgia and Janice Coleman (Will) of Baltimore, MD.; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, extended family and friends.

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Reverend Robert Bland

July 6, 1933 - June 18, 2018