John Wesley Bland

John Wesley Bland, age 88, of Petersburg, Virginia passed away April 26, 2023 at his residence. John Bland was born in Plain View, VA of King & Queen County on September 17, 1934 to the late Joseph Cleveland Bland & Pattie Grant Bland. John was the youngest of six children born in Plain View, VA. Then in 1942, as a young child, the family moved to “Cedar Heart” in Dinwiddie County, VA. It was there that John went to Midway Elementary School and later graduated from Midway High School at Church Road, VA. After graduation, he continued his education by attending Smithdeal Massey Business College.

In 1957, John Bland served in the U.S. Army and later served as Sgt. in the U.S. Army Reserves. While serving at Fort Bennett, GA, John left the service with an Honorable Discharge on October, 31, 1963.  He then returned to his home in Petersburg. As a Veteran, he wanted to give back, so a few years later he joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles located in Petersburg VA. He worked with this organization and helped with many charitable events, helping veterans, and other people in need throughout the community. John also had a love for baseball and NASCAR.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his three sisters, Jean Stallings of Pasadena MD., Hunter Hamill of Colonial Heights VA., Ann Cunningham of Hopewell VA and one brother Joseph G. Bland of Colonial Heights, VA.

He is survived by his brother, James M. Bland of Dinwiddie VA. Even though John never married, nor had any children, he is survived by his loving thirteen nieces and nephews; Patricia Johnson of Crownsville MD., Lee Stallings of Pasadena MD., Carl Stallings of Arnold MD., Joe Bland of Lancaster VA., Lisa Pittman of Lancaster VA., David M. Cunningham, Jr. of Sacramento CA., Patty Cunningham of Hopewell VA., Wayne Cunningham of Disputanta VA., Kathy C. Bailey of Henrico VA., Ed Cunningham of Church Road VA., Tammy Howerton of Chocowinity NC., Jamie Bland of Chesterfield VA., and Scott Bland of Petersburg VA.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in Southlawn Memorial Park, 1911 Birdsong Road, S. Prince George, VA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fraternal Order of Eagles Organization, 235 Franklin St., Petersburg, VA 23803. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.