May 17, 1945 - March 7, 2016 MT. ZION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 2526 LUMPKIN ROAD Augusta, Georgia 30906 HOMEGOING SERVICE Saturday, March 12, 2016 11:00 AM. Reverend Thomas Walker ' Pastor - Presiding, Reverend Reginald Bryant PROCESSIONAL SCRIPTURES Old Testament.......................................................Reverend Eric Adams Samuel Grove Baptist Church New Testament....................................................Reverend Robert Elawkins Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church PRAYER ...Reverend Christopher Leslie Walnut Grove Baptist Church SELECTION..................................................Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Choir RESOLUTION...............................................................American Legion Post 505 REFLECTIONS (Three Minute Maximum, Please).................Trustee Arthur LeBlanc, As A Church Member Deacon Sam Singleton, As A Church Member Brother Moses Dunn, As A Friend/Classmate Eric L. Bland, As A Father SELECTION...........................................Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Choir OBITUARY..................................................................Read Silently ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS........................................................Veronica Bolton Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church SELECTION.......................................................Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Choir EULOGY........................................................................Reverend Thomas Walker RECESSIONAL INTERMENT.....................................................Walker Memorial Park 'SQepad' Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Gymnasium Mr. Charles L. Bland entered into rest on Monday, March 7, 2016 at his residence, surrounded by family. He was born on May 17,1945 in Augusta, Georgia to the Late Fannie B. Bland and David Bland, Sr. At an early age, Charles confessed Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and joined Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia, where he served diligently as a trustee and a devoted member of the Male Chorus. Charles was always ready and willing to do whatever was necessary to uplift the church. A proud 1963 graduate of Lucy Craft Laney High School, Charles was a faithful supporter of both the basketball and football teams. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country for six years. After finishing his military service, Charles returned to Augusta and began work at Wicks Building Supply as an Inventory Controller, working there for three years. Charles retired from Hamburg-Trailer Train Company (TTX) as a Purchasing Agent after thirty'two years of employment. He was extremely proud of his service to TTX, speaking fondly of his experiences working for the largest provider of intercity freight transportation. Charles was an active member of the V.F.W. Post 3887, the M.O.C. Pub Tent #15, and the American Legion Post 505. He served in numerous leadership positions and received various awards and certificates for his community involvement. He was also a faithful volunteer at the Veterans Administration Medical Center. Charles was a loving father who cherished his family, as well as his beloved German shepherd, Champ. He was a spiritual and praying man who showed unconditional love to everyone he came in contact with. Charles was regarded as one who said what he meant, and meant what he said. While few on words, he was by no means shy and never met a stranger; proven by his profound ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. Those who loved Charles knew that they could expect the truth from him. Those left to cherish his memory include: a devoted friend and companion, Emma E. Lowery; two daughters, Veronica L. Bland and Apostles Dr. Ardena (Kenneth) Johnson; one son, Eric L. Bland; like a daughter, Lisa Allenjohnson; like a son, Joseph Lucky (Tamika) Thomas, Jr., all of Augusta, Georgia; five sisters, Fannie Bland Strickland of Augusta, Georgia, Minister Mary Bland (Michael) Weeks of Rialto, California, Cathy Bland Ashley, Joyce Bland Montgomery, and Marlene Bland, all of Augusta, Georgia; three brothers, Alfonzo Bland of Jacksonville, Florida, Percy E. (Megan) Bland of Atlanta, Georgia, and Thomas E. (Cassandra) Bland of Washington, D.C.; one sister- in-law, Charlene Bland of Trenton, New Jersey; three granddaughters, Alexis Bland, Randaysha Bland, and Kenitra Johnson, all of Augusta, Georgia; two grandsons, Eric M. Bland and Kenneth (Chiquita) Johnson, Jr, both of ugusta, Georgia; three aunts, Viola Anderson of Charlotte, North Carolina, cy Heath of Hazel Park, Michigan, and Alma Bland of Hephzibah, Georgia; e uncles, Charles T. Cofer, Roosevelt Bland, both of Augusta, Georgia, and Cofer of Detroit, Michigan; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, latives, and friends. Charles was preceded in death by his older brother, David Bland, Jr. Daddy, you were always there for us WHEN WE NEEDED YOU MOST. You LOVED US LIKE NO OTHER FATHER WOULD HAVE. YOU NEVER LEFT US OR TURNED YOUR BACK ON US, AND FOR THAT WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH. WE KNOW YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE; No MORE PAIN AND NO MORE SUFFERING. YOU ARE IN HEAVEN NOW AND NO ONE ELSE WOULD EVER COMPARE TO YOU We will always remember THE THINGS YOU TAUGHT US AND WE THANK YOU FOR BEING THE BEST FATHER YOU COULD BE. YOU WILL BE MISSED. We Love You - Your Children, Veronica, Eric, Ardena, Lisa and Lucky lE^kaT Farewell my family, dont weep For Im at peace now, just asleep. Farewell my family, Im not alone. The Mighty Maker has led me safely home. Just think back over the many years, How THE FAMILY SEEMED SO STRONG, HOLDING BACK TEARS. Yet God somehow always made a way AND I THANKED HlM EVERY NIGHT FOR ANOTHER DAY. Be good my family, always love each other. Be strong my family, strong in heart. The blood ties, no one can ever part. And if somewhere I made a mistake As YOU LIVE MANY WILL YOU MAKE. Farewell my family, Ive been called away. Walk with God, trust in God Each and every day. ^J^atlbeaheMj Sean Hartfield Kirkland Montgomery Brandon Johnson Craig Stokes Broderick Johnson Fabian Stokes Lucy C. Laney Class of 1963 American Legion Post 505 M.O.C. Pub Tent #15 V.F.W. Post 3887 Lucy C. Laney Class of 1963 Ushers - Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church The family of the late Charles L. Bland wishes to express their sincere gratitude to their many relatives, neighbors, and friends for all acts of kindness shown to them during his illness and their time of bereavement. Special thanks to Carlton Johnson, Dr. Brent Limbaugh & Augusta Oncology Staff, and the staff at Trinity Home Health and Hospice Services. May God richly bless each of you as you continue to keep them in your prayers. W. H. Mays Mortuary Professional Service A Family Tradition Since 1922" 1221 James Brown Boulevard Augusta, Georgia 30901 (706) 722-6401 DESIGN/PRINTING BY: AUGUSTA BLUEPRINT * AUGUSTA, GEORGIA * (706) 722-6488 WWW.AUGUSTAFUNERALNOTICES.COM May the Work Ive Done Speak for Me