Bennie Eugene Bland

Bennie Eugene Bland, 85, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on July 2, 2014 in Abilene, Texas at Hendrick Medical Center. Visitation will be on Sunday, July 6th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Funerals services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmy Griffith of Belmont Baptist Church and Rev. Wes Terry of Broadview Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Willow Cemetery in Haskell, Texas at 3:30 p.m. Bennie was born in Haskell County to Claude Edward Bland and Autie Olene (Coleman) Bland on February 17, 1929. He attended Sagerton High School and Tarleton State University. He married Bobbie LeMay Bland on June 8, 1977. Bennie did farming in Haskell County in his early years. Later he and Bobbie owned several businesses in Abilene including Bland Hallmark, Ernst Limited Editions and The Prairie House. When he retired, his love for music sent him and his wife, Bobbie, to Branson, Missouri to work and have fun with the many interesting people of the Branson Music Theatres. Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Autie Bland; his sister, Josie Bland McClung; and his brother, Jimmy Doyle Bland. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Bobbie LeMay Bland of Abilene; daughter, Suzanne Elaine Bland Newton of Artesia, New Mexico; son, Thomas Edward Bland and wife Cheryl of Kansas City, Kansas; step-daughters, Sherri L. Collins and husband Ronald, and Donna (Kathi) Graham and husband Gary all of Abilene; stepson, Larry “Randy” Giddens and wife Becky of Walker, Louisiana; special nephew, Thomas Claude Bland and wife Julie of San Antonio; 18 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Craig Riley, Brent Karr, Jason Graham, Banton Graham, Bryce Karr, Jarryd Karr and honorary pallbearer, Thomas Riley. The family of Bennie E. Bland wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the Hendrick Hospice Unit, Dr. Ivanoe Vega and Dr. Robert Striegler for their care and compassion. Memorials may be sent to Broadview Baptist Church Missions, 2500 S. 27th Street, Abilene, TX 79605.