Robert Tilman Bland

Robert (Bob) Tilman Bland at age 87 passed away in Eupora, MS on October 27, 2022. Bob Bland was born in Webster County on June 24, 1935, graduated from Cumberland High School in 1953 and soon after became a jet engine mechanic on large bombers for the US Air Force. He did several overseas tours during his 20 years of service before retiring and moving back to Webster County just a few miles from where he grew up. He met his future wife Mary Catherine Brand during a blind date that was set up by a good friend and he wooed her through letters while completing his military training. They eloped in August of 1955 and were married for 63 years before she passed away in February 2018. After the military retirement, he worked for the US Post Office as a mail carrier in Maben until retirement in 1995. He was always a busy man. He built his own house as well as two others, cutting the lumber from his own land on his small sawmill with the help of his sons just like he did when he was growing up. He filled his retirement years making furniture for his children and grandchildren and had a sizeable garden always including peanuts until recent years. He was a lifetime member of various Churches of Christ during his years in the military and locally at the Midway Church of Christ where he led singing and taught many classes helping people learn the scriptures. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tilman M. Bland and Marvis N. Earnest Bland, his siblings, Francis L. Bland, Angelia Bland Alford, and Ester Kay Bland Allen. He is survived by his brother, Howard M. Bland of Tupelo; his daughter, Catherine Bland Sims of Cumberland, grandchildren, Adam & wife Lauren Sims, Joey Sims; son, Barry Bland of Little Rock, AR, grandchildren Samantha Bland, Annabelle Moore, great grandchild Malcolm Moore; and son, Dexter & wife Tammie Bland of Picayune, MS, grandchildren Chad Bland and Rachel Bland. He was a man of great integrity and will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be 2:00PM Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Oliver Funeral Home in Eupora. Visitation will be 1:00PM to 2:00PM prior to the service. Burial will follow at Old Cumberland Cemetery in Webster County, MS. Oliver Funeral Home of Eupora was in charge of all arrangements. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to World Bible School www.worldbibleschool.net/give or the Magnolia Messenger at dennis1848@bellsouth.net.