Wednesday, July 23, 2025 9:12 am

Raymond "Ray" Freeman Bland, 91, of Stanley, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

He was born July 1, 1933 in Rutherford County to the late Thomas Earl Bland and Thelma Freeman. Ray was a member of Southside Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC and retired as a truck driver in the transportation industry. He was the most valuable player in all three sports at Rutherfordton Spindale High School.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Bishop Bland; son, Richard "Ricky" Bland; and sister, Earleen Douglas.

Those left to cherish his memory are; daughter: Rhonda Bland Wyatt of Spartanburg, SC, brother: Kenneth Bland and wife Kathy of Forest City, sisters: Ruby Bland Melton of Spindale, Nancy Bland Fox of Conover, grandchildren: Johnny, Chad, Heath, Joey, Dustin, and Justin, great-grandchildren: Harrison, Hunter, Rayln, Iceler, Callen, and Sophia.

A memorial service to celebrate Ray's life will be held at a later date in Spartanburg, SC.

Memorials may be made to Woodlawn Baptist Church, 440 7th St. Pl SW, Conover, NC 28613.

Condolences may be sent to the Bland family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com

The Bland family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Newton.