John Malcolm Bland

John Malcolm Bland, age 90, of Goodlettsville, formerly of Hollis, Oklahoma, passed away on Friday, January 29, 2016. Mr. Bland was born in Crofton, KY on Monday, May 25, 1925. His parents moved to Oklahoma when he was only four years old and to Tennessee in 1947. He graduated high school in1943 and was immediately called to service in the Armed Forces. He was a corporal in the 84th infantry division and served as a cannoneer. Mr. Bland returned to school at Lipscomb University and graduated cum laude in 1953. He was also trade certified by the University of TN.

Mr. Bland met and married Loretta Bagby from Russellville, KY in 1950. They were together 56 years until Loretta’s death in 2006. They traveled extensively. They loved the western U.S. and adjoining countries. Both were employed by the State of Tennessee. Malcolm worked eight years as a public administrator and 22 years as a city planner. He retired at age 60. Loretta worked for 47 years before retiring. They were members of Goodlettsville Church Christ.

Following Loretta’s death, Malcom moved to Sterling House in Goodlettsville and resided there until his death. He is survived by a niece, Lee Ann Austin of Bowling Green, KY.

A celebration of life will be held 12:00 Saturday, February 6, 2016 in the chapel of Forest Lawn with Bro. Charles Baugh officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will the Youths from Goodlettsville Church of Christ and the grandsons of Bill Bennett; elders will serve as honorary.

In lieu of flowers, send contributions to Malcolm and Loretta Bland Scholarship Fund at Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, TN or Goodlettsville Church of Christ Mission Fund.

Family and friends will gather to remember Mr. Bland at a visitation Friday, February 5, 2016 from 2:00 until 5:00 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home 1150 S. Dickerson Rd. Goodlettsville, TN 37072