Stanley Bland Sr.

Sept. 21, 1933 – May 19, 2016

NATCHEZ — Graveside services for Stanley Bland Sr., 83, of Natchez, who died Thursday, May 19, 2016, at his residence, will be 12:30 p.m. today at Natchez National Cemetery under the direction of Franklin Funeral Home.

Mr. Bland was born Sept. 21, 1933 in Jefferson County, the son of Jodie Wise Bland and Olivia Gill Bland.

He graduated from Washington High School in Washington. He served in the U.S. Army. He worked at Merritt Refrigeration, Armstrong Tire & Rubber, and for the City of Natchez as electrical inspector.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Albert and Bobby; one sister, Leila Strittman; one son, Stanley Bland Jr.; three brothers-in-law, Bob Hancock, Wardy Daniels and Cliff Merritt; and parents-in-law, Herman Temple, Dulcie Geter Temple Merritt and Delcy R. Merritt.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Gloria V. Temple; one daughter, Karen Elizabeth “Liz” Davidson and husband, Randy W. Davidson, of Lucien, Miss.; two brothers, Jodie Bland and wife, Linda, and Gillis Bland and wife, Delores, of Natchez; two sisters, Louise Hancock of Lucien and Jackie Geter and husband, David Lee Geter, of Wilkinson County; three grandsons, Rand Davidson and wife Amanda of Gluckstadt, Stan Davidson and wife, Sandy, of Natchez and Brandon Davidson of Lucien; one granddaughter, Ann Foster and husband, Shaun, of Houston; six great-grand children; and numerous family and friends.