We have been made aware that families being served by Fox & Weeks are being contacted by individuals requesting payment over the phone. Fox & Weeks will not contact a family requesting payment over the phone. Please contact the Savannah Police Department immediately if you are contacted and asked to make payment over the phone. Please contact Fox & Weeks if you have any questions.
Celebrating the life of
Major General William P. Bland, Jr.
November 26, 1936 - March 18, 2020
Major General William Percy Bland, Jr USAF(Retired) passed away at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday March 18, 2020 after a short illness. General Bland was born in Statesboro, Georgia on November 26, 1936. He is a 1954 graduate of Statesboro High School and a 1959 graduate of Georgia Tech. He is the former Adjutant General for the State of Georgia and a beloved husband, father and friend.
General Bland enlisted in the Georgia Air National Guard in 1958. In 1961, he was selected for Air Force Pilot training and received his pilot’s wings in August 1962 at Moody Air Force Base, GA. General Bland was assigned to the 165th Tactical Airlift Group GA. Ang. Savannah, Ga. in 1962. He served in a variety of assignments that took him all over the world and he was a command pilot with more than 8,000 hours flying time in 9 different types of aircraft. In 1981, he became the Commander of the 165th and served in that capacity until May 1987. He was selected to be the Deputy Commander of the Air National Guard Readiness Unit, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. He held this position until he returned to Georgia in 1990 to serve as Assistant Adjutant General of Air. In 1991, Governor Zell Miller appointed General Bland the Adjutant General of Georgia. As Adjutant General of Georgia, he commanded more than 13,000 National Guard forces providing security for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. He served in the position of Adjutant General until his retirement in 1999 after more than 40 years of service in the US Air Force and Air National Guard.
Jesus Christ was the Lord and savior of Bill’s life. He used the gifts the Lord gave him to lead and serve others for the glory of God. He was an active member of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church where he served on the board of trustees for 17 years. He was on a team that developed and implemented the church master plan and chaired the church’s construction project for 10 years. He served his community well as a superb handyman who was quick to volunteer for hurricane damage relief in states across the south. He was happiest with a hammer in his hands as he worked alongside his friends working with Habitat for Humanity and projects with the Methodist Mission Team.
Bill Bland’s hobbies were quail hunting and in- shore fishing. He was a member of the Sons of the Revolution (past president), Rotary Club-Savannah West (past President), United Methodist Men (Past President), Sigma Chi Fraternity (Georgia Tech), Gray Eagle Society, Welsh Society, Mighty 8th Air Force Museum (Past Chairman of Board of Directors), Air Force Association, Military Order of World Wars and Men’s Club of Wesley Monumental. He loved developing young leaders through Youth Challenge, Star Base and the Boy Scouts. In 1950 at the age of 13 he became an Eagle Scout and he dearly loved the Boy Scouts of America organization.
General Bland is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Harriet Hays of Colquitt, Georgia. His two daughters, Beverly Sligh (Gordon) Athens, GA, Bonnie Spacek (Bill) Columbia, SC and four granddaughters, Hays Sligh, Greenville, SC, Larkin Spacek Dalpiaz (Nick) Greenville, SC, Nan Spacek, Clemson University and Maggie Sligh, University of Mississippi. Other surviving family members are his mother- in -law, Wattie Grimes Hays, Colquitt, GA and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Walter and Laura Hays of Colquitt, GA and nieces and nephew Ansley Jones, Melanie Hays and Walt Hays. He is predeceased by his parents, William Percy Bland, Sr and Nan Rushing Bland.
Special thanks to the many health care professionals, the ER Step Down Unit at Memorial Health, and Hospice Savannah for their care and kindness over the last few months and extra special thanks to his loving caregivers Betty White, Alissa Smalls and Mary Saunders who loved and cared for him. We also wish to thank Rev. Ben Martin and all the members of Wesley Monumental UMC who have loved the Bland family well through the years.
A private family burial is planned with a Celebration of Life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please send memorials to Wesley Monumental Methodist Church 429 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA 31401 or the Stuart F. Sligh Jr. Athletic Scholarship Foundation 1204 Walthour Road Savannah, Georgia 31410
Harriet and family, Kathryn and I are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a great person and friend. I served in the Georgia National Guard with him and knew Bill longer than the military. We send our condolences to all the family.
- Frank & Kathryn Murray, Savannah, Georgia
Harriet & family, Patty & I will be praying for all of you as Bill is resting in the arms of his Savior. He was such a friend. So many times I shared that friendship as his guest and he as mine. May he now Rest In Peace. Walter & Patty Corish
- Walter & Patty Corish, Tybee
Bill and l were friends since 1952 when we served on Boy Scout Camp Strachan Staff together. Bill was true Christian gentleman and will be sorely missed. May he Rest In Peace.
- Ted Haviland, Aiken, South Cay
So sorry to hear of Billy's passing. The last time I saw him was at jury duty in Chatham County. We were both looking forward to getting to be 70 years old so we didn't have jury duty anymore. I knew Billy when he had that single gold bar on his shoulder. RIP General.
- James Meyers, Guyton, GA
Dear Hariett and family, It is and honor for me to say General Bland ( Bill) was my friend. It is sad to hear he is gone. I've missed his warm smile and jovial greetings during his absence. Not to mention his wise council.. Love and peace be with you all Frank Ouzts
- Frank ouzts, Sav., Georgia
Miss Harriet, Beverly and Bonnie, I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Bill's passing. I will always remember spending time with you all when you lived in Statesboro. Those are fond memories. I am praying for peace and comfort for you all. Kim Gray Durfee
- Kim Gray Durfee, Statesboro, GA
Love and prayers Harriet and family
- Linda Bean Brannen , Bogart, Georgia
May General Bland Rest In Peace and may the Lord give Harriet and the rest of his Family comfort and understanding. General Bland and I served together at the National Guard Bureau when he was the Readiness Center Commander and I was the Command Chief. General Bland was one of the finest Officers, Leader and Friend I had the privilege to serve with. John 3:16, Isaiah 6:8 Richard Green Chief Master Sergeant (Ret)
- Richard Green, Hot Springs , AR
I have known Billy since I was a young girl. He taught me how to ski at Cypress Lake when I was a teenager. Even then he was a kind, sharing and giving young man—and handsome, too. He was a very special person and I am honored that I got to know him if it was only in our younger years. My thoughts and prayers are with Harriet and the whole family. I know he will be sorely missed. We are proud Billy was one of Statesboro’s finest sons.
- Alice Paul , Statesboro , GA
General Bland taught me a tremendous amount about true leadership. He was truly an unusual person who never failed to see the humor in any situation. Many of us are indebted to him for the success of our careers. Harriet, your were his wonderful partner. God Bless you and your family.
- Sen. Jack Hill, Reidsville, Georgia
So sorry to hear of another dear friend passing. Our days in Washington together was special but the continuing friendship afterwards was even more special. Condolences to the family.
- Skip Floyd, Williamsburg , VA
Dear Harriet - so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Love and prayers.
- Marie Ferdinandsen Ursprung , Savannah , GA
I am sorry to hear of Bill's passing-I was the Coordinator(Cowboy Bob) at Camp Gulfside Mississippi in 2007 where Major General Bill Bland came with his staff/group to humbly serve as volunteers in the rebuilding efforts of the devastation from Hurricane Katrina. Bill and his team worked very diligently and with dedication to the purpose with complete hands on in every aspect of the mission tasks. I had a chance to get to know Bill a little and am proud to say that he was a true soldier of The Lord. Thanks Bill for Being A Volunteer-for-Being A Friend! Peace, CBW
- Bob Wallace, Sierra Vista, Arizona
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
