Mr. Edward Carlton Bland was born on August 16, 1923 in Cape
Charles Virginia to the late Herbert Bland and Annie Ruth
Pitts (Bland). He was the oldest of seven children. Edward
grew up in Cape Charles all of his childhood life where he
was educated at Cape Charles Elementary and Northampton
County High School. As a child, he loved to go fishing with
his siblings.

Edward became interested in watching the men in
town play golf, often hanging around the golf course and
asking if he could caddy for them. While being a caddy, he
became fascinated with golf and wanted to learn to play
himself.

Years later Edward moved to New York City where he met
and married Carol Austin (Bland) and from this union two
children were born, Edward Bland, Jr. and Alice Bland.
However, years later due to health issues Edward was
advised to live in a warmer climate; he then moved to West
Palm Beach, Florida, his final destination and lived there
for over 60 years.

Eddy, worked as skycap at Palm Beach International Airport for various airlines, retiring,from Delta. While working, he and several partners started their own company called "Dependable Skycap Service,
Inc". He retired in 2007 after many years of service.

Edward regularly attended church at the Tabernacle Baptist
Church in West Palm Beach where faith and love of God
kept him strong for many rough roads ahead. Eddy loved
his church and was very supportive in any way he could;
however, his home church and family roots would always be
"First Baptist Church" in Cape Charles, Virginia.

It was there in West Palm Beach, Eddy really began playing
golf whenever he had the opportunity and would caddy for
many well known golfers. Eddy was one of the first few
"Blacks" to play with professional golfers; however, back
then was a time when blacks were not recognized or even
accepted as a pro. Given his outstanding skills and love of
the game, he was given the opportunity to play with some
of the greatest professional golfers of our time. Eddy
played in many golf tournaments and won many trophies
and metals, far too many to count. He was often honored
for participation and support at various black golf
organizations. He was an' avid golfer and a long-term
member of the Fairview Golf Club, retiring as a senior
golfer.

Edward would come home to Cape Charles every summer
to a family and friends celebration, usually at Labor Day where he would attend the First Baptist Church Homecoming. He loved fine dining, family, social gatherings, sports events, walking and traveling. He loved the best of everything, was always known as a sharp dresser, tall, erect and stately. Whether through
a joke or through a kind expression, he had a way of
connecting with people.

Edward passed away peacefully on February 1, 2017 at Good
Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach Florida with family
members by his bedside. Edward loved life and was
loved by all who knew him and he will be profoundly
missed.

Edward was preceded in death by his former wife Carol
Bland, his parents and his siblings Herbert, Hawthrone,
Richard, Sadie Bland and Dolores Elliott.

He leaves to mourn his passing his son Edward Bland, Jr. and his
daughter Alice Bland; his daughter-in-law, Jackie Bland;
and his grandchildren Kiwana Bland, Lynesse Bland,
Edward Bland III, Timothy Jackson and Rahsaan Bland; four
great grandchildren, Sheyheib, Hykeim, Ahmad and Peyton;
his dear sisters Helen Coleman and Hazel Bland Thomas.
Eddy had a special loving friend for many years,. Ruby
Larkin (and her sons Vince and Robert). He also had two
other special friends who were always there for him,
Robert P. Leidy and Family and Harrell; many other friends
in West Palm Beach Florida and a host of other nieces,
nephews and extended family and friends.