OBITUARIES

Franklin Douglas Bland, Sr.

POUGHKEEPSIE – Franklin Douglas Bland, Sr., 78, a resident of Poughkeepsie, New York, formerly of New Jersey, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at River Valley in Poughkeepsie.

He was born on October 23, 1947, in Rose Hill, North Carolina; he was the son of the late Mr. Jim Dove and Ms. Maggie Bland. He received his formal education in the Duplin County Public School District. He was employed as an Independent Truck driver for many companies. He retired from Ford Motor Company.

He was united in holy matrimony to Mary Charlene Sanders. Mrs. Bland predeceased him in 2000.

He is survived by a daughter, Desiree S. King, and husband, Clyde of Poughkeepsie; two sons, Christopher Bland, of Williamsport, PA, and Elder Wendell Bland, of Orangeburg, SC; three sisters, Rosie Peterson of Rose Hill, NC; Ollie Kelly and Ethel Townsend, both of Poughkeepsie; a brother, Carl Bland, of Roselle, NJ; seven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, a special nephew, Travis Bland, and wife, Ursula of Poughkeepsie; a host of other nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Kendall Bland and Franklin D. Bland, Jr.; four brothers, Jessie, James, Charles, and Lawrence; and his former partner and the mother of his daughter, Deaconess Susie K. Johnson.

The family would like to acknowledge the following: the Hospice Team, The LaParada Restaurant of Newark, NJ, and his barber, Oscar, also of Newark, NJ, for your care, friendship, and support.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Rhodes Funeral Homes Chapel, 43 Fairview Avenue, Poughkeepsie.

Services will begin at 11:00 AM: the Reverend Dr. Eric Jadolyn Goode, Officiating.

Interment will be at the convenience of the family.