Donald Glenn Bland
Age 81, of Flint, peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at home with family by his side. A funeral service will take place at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Detroit Cremation Society, 8253 South Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan. Pastor Jim Reid to officiate with cremation to follow. Family will be present to receive friends from 1:00 pm until the time of the service at 3:00 pm. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date this upcoming summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be considered to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Don’s tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.
Donald Glenn Bland was born on December 20, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William and Iva (Blake) Bland. Don graduated from Jeffersonville High School in 1961. Shortly after graduation, Don moved to Michigan at age 18 and began working in the metal processing industry. With a strong work ethic, he would move pallets, as well as process crushed cars and other various metals for 61 years. Sadly, Don would have a stroke that would lead to his medical retirement in March of 2022.
Don met, fell in love with, and married the love of his life, Shirley Ramos, on August 14, 1992, in Flint. Their marriage would be blessed with many children, to whom Don cherished deeply. Gifted with the guitar, Don would perform with many groups and share his talent with any and all who would watch. If he didn’t have a guitar in his hand, he could be found working outdoors, or spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 32 years: Shirley Bland; his five children: Robert and wife, Nikki Bland, Diedra and husband, Dennis Bowers, Roy and wife, Georgia Ramos, Tina Ramos, Amber Bland and Kobie; his four grandchildren: Jacob, Josh and wife, Ashlee, Chelsea and husband, Shaun, Daniele; his six great-grandchildren: Oakley, Jayden, Chase, Landon, Jaxon, Greyson; his sister: Sheila Randall; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; and his eight siblings: George, James, Les, Diane, Bonnie, Alberta, Jerry, and Virginia.
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Gonna Miss you, I will never forget the years we spent together singing Gospel with you 1st wife, brother in law Doug, and this forever Sister In Law, The years you lived with Bud and I drew us closer. May you Rest until that Great Getting Up Morning when God will Rapture us in His Great Kingdom. Love you forever.
We knew Don and Shirley for many a years, we met them at Outreach Baptist Church, they were a great to be around. Don was so talented with his music, we loved the way he sang and played the guitar, he was was of the finest guitar players around, and we enjoyed him in all the singing we had at our church. Don will be missed, but not forgotten, we will always remember the silver fox. We know we will see him again in Glory. Until that day comes, rest in peace our dear friend.
RON AND BARB GILLILAND
You have left me with so many great memories, music and otherwise!
May you Rest In Peace my friend.
God is ready for you Don. We will miss your wonderful personality.
Bob and I send our deepest sympathy to the family in the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Don was a good and kind man; and we were honored to know him. Bob enjoyed playing music with him on many occasions. Don was a good guitar player and had a wonderful singing voice!
May Our Loving Lord hold the soul of your beloved Don in the Palms of His Hands, and grant eternal peace.
We became friends with Dan and Shirley over 16 years ago. Enjoyed playing and singing music with him very much. The last time I saw him was a few days ago and he was singing right along with Jim Mac and I. He will be sadly missed, but he is not suffering Anymore.
Thank you for always treating me like your daughter, for always loving me and making me feel welcome in the family. I love you dad.
Teresa
Papa you were such a great man. We love you and thank you for every memory you have left us with. Your beautiful voice, and kindness and everything will live with us forever!
This isn’t a goodbye, it’s a simple see you later. RIP Papa I love you ❤️
Sorry for your loss, Shirley.May it give you n’ your family comfort n’ peace knowing his pain has been lifted. My husband, Bob n’ I admired Don’s voice, n’ had the pleasure playing alongside him on numerous occasions. I know they are lighting up the Heavens with joyful tunes along with Tiny, Johnny, George n’ countless other great musicians. I will hold dear, my visit with Don while in the hospital. He will be missed.
Charles Peck
Sorry for your loss, Don was a great friend and I will always remember the times that I preached at your church
several times. My prayers are with the family.
Helen and I have always loved being around Don and Shirley. Don was one good friend, and his music was the greatest for us both whenever we were where he was playing. His patience and consideration when he were with us was heart felt, and we will miss him dearly. God Rest. Bless you to Shirley for your care.
Shirley, so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. It’s been awhile since we last spoke. But I’ve thought of you both when I would pass the office on Dort Hwy. May the love of family and friends envelope you till your heart can heal and find brighter days ahead.