https://my.gather.app/remember/willie-edward-bland-jr

Willie Edward Bland, Jr answered the Master's call early Monday morning, April 15, 2024 to join his parents, the late Willie and Mary Adeline Bradley Bland, his wife, the late Clara Timberlake Bland, and his brother, the late Thomas Bland for a happy family reunion.  Willie was born August 26, 1939 and grew up in the Fluvanna County, VA community.  He graduated from S.C. Abrams High School and immediately found employment in a number of occupations.  Later in life, he held various transportation roles with Grand Piano, Charles Johnson Construction and Louisa County Public Schools.

As a young man, Willie accepted Christ as his Savior and joined the Evergreen Baptist Church in Wilmington, VA.  He later joined (alongside his wife) with the Countyline Baptist Church.  He became an active participant in many organizations and committees. Some of his most fond passions and commitments were his loyal work with the ushers, trustees, male chorus and Sunday School.  He even shared his "theatrical talents" in Sunday School sponsored plays.  As a devoted trustee, he was honored with the title "Trustee Emeritus" in 2022.  Willie had a 40 plus year tenure in faithfully serving with the Usher Board at Countyline and with the District 5 Ushers Union of the Interdenominational Ushers Association of Virginia.  If you knew him, you saw his zeal of participating, teaching, and training ushers.  He knew his calling and excelled in it.

He considered himself a self-taught mechanic and loved "tinkering" with his cars, trucks, and lawn mowers. Willie enjoyed visiting family and friends, watching his favorite Washington "Redskins" Football Team, and of course, travelling with his daughter, Tammy, and "son" Michael.

Willie had a booming and fun personality.  He was fast paced, had a quick wit, loved to tease, or deliver mischievous comments to anyone he met.  He also kept busy and enjoyed lending a hand to family, neighbors, and friends whenever or wherever there was a need.  Truly his life's motto was "if I can help somebody, then my living will not be in vain".

Although his health rapidly deteriorated unexpectedly over the past four years, his faith in God was not weakened and he remained committed to joining in-person, parking lot and virtual church services whenever he could.  He leaves to cherish his precious memory, his daughter and "son", Tammy and Michael McGee of Richmond, VA, sisters Annie Clark of Charlottesville, VA, Alease Payne of Palmyra, VA, Jeanette Bland and Sara Mines of Columbia, VA and Betty Bryant of Raleigh, NC.  Other relatives include a special brother-in-law Lonnie Dickerson (Annette), nieces, nephews, and numerous long-time friends.