Mr. Thomas Ray Bland, Sr., age 56, a resident of Washington, was released from his earthly body, with family by his side, to claim his heavenly reward on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, at the Washington Assembly of God, officiated by Pastor Daniel Haskett. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery with fire service last call honors rendered. Pallbearers at the church will include his former co-workers and friends. Members of Clarks Neck Volunteer Fire Department will serve as pallbearers at the cemetery.

The family will receive friends from noon until the funeral hour at the church and other times at the home.

Thomas was born in Pitt County on June 11, 1962, son of the late Robert Leroy Bland and the late Myrtle Sutton Bland Coburn. Prior to his retirement, due to his health, he worked with the Pitt County School System as a supervisor in their roofing division. On Jan. 16, 1984, he married the former Clara Louise Crisp, who survives. Thomas loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and his faith was very important to him. He was a member of Washington Assembly of God, where he served as Sunday school superintendent, deacon and head usher. Another passion of his was NASCAR racing, and he participated in the Richard Petty driving experience. Thomas was a member of the River City Riders, a Christian motorcycle club where he was past president and a former member of Chapter J2 Motorcycle Club and Christian Motorcycle Association. He served his community as a volunteer with Clarks Neck Fire Department.

Surviving along with his wife, Clara, of the home, are a son, Thomas R. Bland, Jr., of Washington; a brother, Kenneth Roger Bland, of Greenville; a sister, Shelia Annette Jackson, of Benson; three grandchildren, Lillian Elizabeth Bland, Matthew Helton and Stacy Helton; and a daughter-in-law, Amanda Leigh Bland of Washington. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Earl Bland.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Bland family.