Owen "Tom" Thomas Bland

Owen Thomas “Tom” Bland, age 100 went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 19, 2026 at his home. He was born in Gaston County, NC to the late Vernon Belvry Bland and Lela Parker Bland. He was the husband of over 69 years to Wilma “Billie” Clifton Bland who survives.

Tom retired after over 35 years with Lucent Technologies and was a US Navy veteran serving in WW II and the Korean War. Tom was a Mason for over 70 years of serving a Past Master of the Mebane Bingham Masonic Lodge # 0272 and a Shriner serving as a Past President of the Burlington Shrine Club. Tom along with his wife, Bille were members of Holly Hill Baptist Church. Tom and Billie enjoyed taking their travel trailer on trips to Florida and the beach, lakes and mountains. He had his private pilot’s license and loved flying, always saying it made him feel closer to Heaven. Tom enjoyed his German Shepherd’s “Baron” and “Contessa” and his cat, “Sandi”.

Survivors include his wife, Billie Bland of the home; his sister, Betty Bland Tripp of Burlington; his sister-in-law, Patsy Bland of Vesuvius, Virginia and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Joe Douglas “Doug” Bland.

The family would like to thank the Griswold Homecare providers and Authoracare Hospice for the kind and compassionate care they provided for Tom and Billie.

A Memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Alamance Memorial Park Mausoleum on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 1:30PM by Dr. Gene Hunsinger. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Memorials may be made to Holly Hill Baptist Church, 2818 Edgewood Avenue, Burlington, NC 27215 or Authoracare Collective Hospice, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.