Deacon Harold Malcolm Bland, 90, a devoted man of God, cherished husband, loving father, and pillar of his community, peacefully transitioned from this life on May 6, 2025, at his home in McKenney, Virginia, surrounded by those he loved. Born on September 15, 1934, in Ford, Virginia, Harold was one of ten children born to the late Limmie Beauford Bland and Rosa Johnson Bland. From a young age, Harold demonstrated a deep commitment to faith and family, having been baptized early in life and attending Mt. Poole Baptist Church
with his family.
A graduate of Southside High School in Dinwiddie, Virginia, Harold moved to Montclair, New Jersey, in the early 1950s to live with his sister Anita. There, he began his professional career as a truck driver/fork lift operator for Dupont, a position he held with dedication for many years until his retirement. In 1963, Harold married Pearl Lundy, beginning a marriage that would span 63 beautiful years—a testament to love, partnership, and unwavering commitment. Together, they built a family and raised six children: Pamela, Edward, Patrick, Marshelle, Monica, and Monique.
Harold and Pearl moved from Newark to Scotch Plains, New Jersey, where they raised their children and became active, beloved members of the community. He served faithfully for over two decades at St.John’s Baptist Church as a deacon and member of the cafeteria committee, while also contributing his time and leadership to various community boards.
In 1984, Harold and Pearl returned to Virginia and built their forever home in McKenney, where Harold continued his life of service and faith. Harold joined First Baptist Church in McKenney and served faithfully on the deacon board. His commitment to civic engagement continued, most notably through his regular service at the voting polls—proudly including the presidential election of 2024.
His dedication to faith, family, and community never wavered. Harold found great joy in the simple yet profound pleasures of life. He had a deep love for gardening, landscaping, masonry, and working with his hands. He delighted in maintaining his home and yard and took solace in being outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of God’screation.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Frances, Lilly, Esther, and Elizabeth, Peter and Herbert. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Pearl Bland; his children Edward Brown, Patrick(Larae) Gaines, Marshelle (Eric) Pitts, Monica Bland, Monique Bland, and Pamela Thomas; his grandchildren Ashley (Jhonathan),Jasmine, Bria, Dallas (Adam), Douglas, Dax Jr., Alyssa, Dru, Cheyenne, Aliyah, Alexa, and Jaxon; and his great-grandchildren Tyler, Sophia, Cali, and JJ. He is also survived by his loving sisters Marcella Bond, Anita Clark, and Barbara Taylor, sister-in-law Meredith Lowe, Dorothy (Frank) Porch, and brother-in-law Herman(Claudia) Lundy as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were blessed to know him.
Harold will be lovingly remembered by his godchildren Shelia (JT)Tucker, Willeen Rodriguez and family , Erica Evans, Kiyanna Whitaker, Deseria (Gary) Barney, Kendra Larkin, and the late Barry Porch. His legacy is one of deep faith, unyielding love, and tireless service—a life well lived and a spirit that will never be forgotten.Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in knowing that Harold has returned to his Heavenly Father, at peace and surrounded by eternal light. His life will forever be a guiding example of devotion, love, and purpose. May we carry his legacy forward in the way we live, love, and serve. Rest peacefully, Deacon Bland—you have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
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