Thomas Franklin Bland, Sr. (Frank), born October 31, 1933, passed away Sunday morning, January 24, 2021 at the age of 87. 

Frank is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elaine B. Bland; his son Thomas Franklin Bland, Jr, (Tom) and his wife Cindy Banks Bland; sister Mae Ward; sister-in-law, Janis Smith and brother-in-law R.G. Blackwell and spouse Pat Blackwell, along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Frank was preceded in death by his parents J.J. and Mattie Mae Allen Bland, late brother-in-law’s H.O. Ward and Harvey Smith of Meridian Mississippi. 

Frank and Elaine were active members of Bremen First Baptist Church for 50 years where they served on the “Young at Hearts” club.  Hobbies included recreational motorboats and motorhomes for which he was the past President of the Georgia Ramblers Motorhome Club.  Frank was employed by Plantation Pipeline as an Electrical Technician from which he retired in February 1994. 

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to be made to:

Due to risks presented by the pandemic, a “Celebration of Life” service for family and friends will be held at some point in the future when risk from the pandemic have subsided.   Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Messages of condolences can be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin and Hightower Heritage Chapel has charge of the arrangements.