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Mickey Bland, a dedicated public servant and cherished member of the Spindale community, passed away March 10, 2025.
He was born October 27, 1949, in Spindale, NC, to the late Worth F. and Frances B. Bland. A lifelong resident of the area, Mickey was a member of Southern Baptist Church in Ruth.
Mickey attended Spindale Elementary and graduated from Rutherfordton-Spindale High School in 1968. He continued his education at Isothermal Community College before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UNC-Charlotte in 1972.
His professional career began 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. In recognition of his dedicated service, Mickey was honored with the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award by the Governor of North Carolina September 11, 2002.
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 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. His commitment to housing development earned him the designation of Housing Development Finance Specialist from the National Development Council.
Mickey's dedication to Spindale was evident through his service as a Town Commissioner, first elected in 1999. In 2005, he was elected Mayor, a role he proudly held for five consecutive terms. He also served for 22 years on the Broad River Water Authority, including several years as Chairman, and as a member of the Rutherford-Polk Regional Water Commission and the Rutherford County Economic Development Commission.
An active member of the Spindale Boys & Girls Club, Mickey treasured the camaraderie and fond memories of his hometown.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patti; his son, Jonathan; his brother-in-law, Jackie Head; sister-in-law, Mollie Stancil (Charlie); his nieces, Kim Johnson and Holly Walsh (Kirin); and great-niece, Emory Walsh.
A celebration of Mickey's life was held March 15 at Spencer Baptist Church with Dr. Peter Suran and Dr. Bruce Caldwell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mickey's memory to: The Town of Spindale- Designated for the Spindale Recreation Dept., 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
