Joe D. “Doug” Bland

Joe D. “Doug” Bland, 86, of Morganton, NC went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, August 25, 2020. Born in Orange County on November 29, 1933, he was a son of the late Vernon B. Bland and Lela Parker Bland. Mr. Bland was a veteran of the US Air Force and a member of Zion Baptist Church.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Patsy Andrews Bland; daughter, Kimberley West-Smith (Mike); grandchildren, Brent Watson, Ashley L. Earp, and Heather L. Bishop; great-grandchildren, Michaela Patterson, Gavin Bishop, Curtis Watson, and William Lepo; brother, Tom Bland (Billie); sister, Betty Tripp; several nieces; a nephew; and his canine companion, Max.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 30, 2020 at Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Keith Rose, Rev. Steve Parker, and Rev. Kevin Gauthier officiating.  Burial will follow in the Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.  Military honors will be provided by the US Air Force.

Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice, Zion Baptist Church, or Samaritan’s Purse.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.