Willie Clyde Bland

Willie Clyde Bland, age 93, died November 29, 2024, at Washington County Extended Care Facility following a prolonged illness. Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, December 3rd at 2:00 p.m. at May and Smith Funeral Home with burial to follow in Zeta Cemetery in Tennille.  Rev. Redin Hodges III will officiate.

Born in Washington County, Clyde was the son of the late William Henry Bland and the late Mattie Lee Brown Bland. Clyde was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served honorably in the Air Force where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his service, he returned home and met the love of his life, Madge McAfee Bland. They were married 47 years prior to her death, a loss he mourned for the remainder of his life. Clyde was retired from ABB, formerly American Industrial Clays, where he operated heavy equipment. After his retirement, he enjoyed gardening and often shared his bountiful harvests with friends and neighbors. He was a member of Tennille Christian Church, serving as a Deacon, an Elder, and Sunday School Superintendent until failing health prevented his regular attendance. For years, he and his friend Nick Dixon served Communion each Sunday to shut-ins and nursing home residents who wished to participate. He was known for his willingness to work hard, love of the land, ability to fix almost anything, and his generosity.

Survivors include his daughter, Lisa B. Franklin and her husband Tim, a grandson William Franklin and his wife Stefany and two great-grandchildren Emily Franklin and Lawson Franklin, all of Tennille and his daughter Lynn B. McDonald and her husband Ken, a grandson Stewart McDonald and his wife Allison of Little Rock, Arkansas, and a granddaughter Melanie McDonald of Tennille.

The families are deeply grateful for the faithful, loving care provided by Linda Thomas.

The families will be at their respective homes on Stephens Road and will receive friends there.

Donations may be made to Johnson University, 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37998 and should be designated for the Madge M. Bland Memorial Preaching Scholarship.

Please leave an online condolence at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.