Jean Gordon
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 12:24 pm
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The Mayor of Spindale, Mickey Bland, was eulogized Saturday afternoon as a "man who loved Spindale," during funeral services at Spencer Baptist Church in Spindale. Although Bland was a member of Southern Baptist, the family agreed to have the service at Spencer (in Spindale) since he loved the town so much.
Dr. Bruce Caldwell said Bland was a mayor of Spindale but since his passing on March 10, "he's a citizen of heaven."
"No one loved Spindale like Mickey Bland. He will be missed," said Caldwell.
He was born and raised in Spindale, went to elementary school and high school in Spindale before going to college in Charlotte and returned to Spindale.
He worked with the North Carolina Department of Correction, where he served as a Program Supervisor in Cleveland, Rutherford, and McDowell counties. He later transitioned to the Division of Adult Probation and Parole, holding positions as an officer, Chief Probation Officer, and ultimately District Manager. His leadership extended across Cleveland, Lincoln, Rutherford, Polk, McDowell, Henderson, and Transylvania counties.
Beyond his public service, Mickey held a private contract as Manager and Promotion Director for Tri-City Mall, working with Faison Associates from 1971 to 1997. In this role, he coordinated community events, including promotions, fireworks displays, and Christmas parades.
After his retirement Mickey continued to serve his community through his work with the Isothermal Planning and Development Commission (now Foothills Regional Commission) in affordable housing, as well as a Hearing Officer for Section 8 Housing.
Mickey served as a Town Commissioner, first elected in 1999 and elected mayor in 2005, a role he proudly held for five consecutive terms.
Norman Aiken, a longtime friend of Bland, repeated what was already said, "He loved Spindale, the people, young people, and he's already missed."
Aiken held a free basket camp for children and young people in Spindale each summer with the blessings of Mayor Bland.
Town Manager Scott Webber thanked Bland's wife for "sharing him with us."
Quoting Nelson Mandela, Webber said Bland made a difference to those he came in contact with. He thanked Bland "enhancing the quality of life' and always having the best interest of the people at heart.
Webber told the congregation if they wanted to do something for Bland, "love Spindale.
"Dr. Peter Surran, pastor at Southern Baptist, said Bland "let his light shine" in the community and "he was all over the place, like salt," referencing the Scripture that speaks of being the salt and light.
Special music was presented by Stephen Matheny, Dr. ThAd Harrill and Steve Garrison.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mickey's memory to: The Town of Spindale; Designated for Spindale Recreation Department, Spindale Library, or Rail to Trails in Spindale: 125 Reveley St., Spindale, NC 28160; Southern Baptist Church Building Fund; 140 Church St., Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Spencer Baptist Church; 187 N. Oak St., Spindale, NC 28160.