Norman Thomas Bland

Norman Thomas Bland

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you…

Philippians 1:3a

 Norman Thomas Bland left us on February 4, 2025. He was born on September 20, 1936, in Upton, KY, to the late Joseph and Myrtle Bland.

Norman is survived by his high school sweetheart, Rebecca (Becky) Sue Bland, and two children: Melinda (Mindy) Sue Dean (Dr. Johnie Dean), and Jennifer (Jenni) Sue Burris (Col. David Burris). In addition, he leaves behind three grandchildren: Sarai (Dean) Williams (Kelley Williams), Katie (Dean) Sproles (Ryan Sproles) and Jedidiah (Jed) Burris, and four great-grandchildren: Graves and Dean Williams, Walker and Millie Sproles. He deeply loved being Dad and Grumpa and cherished the years he spent with each one of them!

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his two sisters, Katherine (Bland) Routt, and Wilma (Bland) Routt.

Norman spent his professional career with L&N Railroad (CSX Transportation). But his real passions included teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and cheering on the University of Kentucky Wildcats…Go CATS! He was watching the Cats play basketball the night before his passing, and he has passed this devotion on to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Early on, many a Saturday was spent driving to Lexington from Louisville to see the CATS play football; Norman and Becky alongside the Gambrells as they attended UK events together.

We ask that you remember Norman for the way he lived his life. He will be remembered for his passion for the Cats, teaching, frugality, picky eating habits, jogging until he was 85, and his love for his family. For him, he never wanted to miss a chance for them all to be together.

Per Norman’s wishes, there will be a service of remembrance and celebration. The celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 15th at 2:00 PM, with visitation starting at 12:00 NN at the Poole Funeral Home, 1970 Eagle Drive, Woodstock, GA, 30189.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Debt Retirement, Canton First Baptist, Canton, GA (https://cantonfirstbaptist.churchcenter.com/giving