Mr. Billy D Bland

Billy, the son of Sydney Clarence Bland and Roena Pearl (Tharp) Bland was born on October 17, 1936 in Shallotte, NC and grew up in Charleston, SC. While attending school he held various part-time jobs. He served in the SC National Guard, Serial Number 25-198-300. He enlisted June 1953 as a Private, and was assigned as a Tank Driver in Company B, 263rd Tank Battalion, 51st Infantry. He received an honorable discharge October 23, 1953. On October 29, 1953, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps and served at duty stations throughout the U.S.A. and Far East.

Billy D. Bland served in the U. S. Marine Corps. Serial Number 1447698. He enlisted as a Private October 29, 1953. He served at various locations throughout the United States and overseas. He served two tours of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. On September 30, 1975 he retired from the Marine Corps with the rank of Master Sergeant. Awards: Purple Heart Medal; Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/Combat “V” for Valor; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal w/1 silver star; National Defense service medal w/1 bronze star; Vietnam Service Medal w/3 bronze stars; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal w/Palm; Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Medal w/Palm; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Date Bar; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon; Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon; Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon.

On September 30, 1975, after 23 years of service, Billy retired from the U. S. Marine Corps and he went to work in the Charleston, SC area. He worked for the County of Charleston as their Director of Procurement. Later he worked for the U. S. Navy as a Contracting Officer.

In 1978, Billy organized the South Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials (SCAGPO), an organization dedicated to the advancement of the purchasing profession. He was the association's first and third president. In 2003, this association celebrated it's 25th anniversary, and boasted a membership in excess of 1,000 members. At the 2003 Annual Banquet, Billy was on hand to witness the first B. D. Bland Distinguished Service Award to be presented. Billy was presented with the Founders Award at this meeting. In 2006 he was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for Lifetime Service to SCAGPO. Billy was very active in the procurement field, and was called upon by various State Governmental Agencies to serve on boards and task forces dealing with the procurement matters at the state level. Billy has received numerous awards for his service to the profession. In November 2014, Billy was honored by being inducted into the SCAGPO Hall of Fame.

During the 1980's Billy began teaching in the evening program at the College of Charleston. He was an Adjunct Professor teaching Purchasing and Contract Administration in their Masters in Public Administration Program.

In 1990 Billy decided that he had enough of working for others, and teaching students business principles and management techniques, so he went into business. At first he was a partner in the firm Southern Management Support Company. This partnership had operations in 4 states; however, the partnership was not working out and was dissolved a year later, with Billy taking over the business that was still in progress. In 1991, Bland Management Service was formed and was met with immediate success with operations in 14 states. By the end of 2002, Billy had sold his interest in Bland Management Service and fully retired to spend all of his time with his family.

Education:

1973 AA Degree, University of the State of New York, 1975 BS Degree, Davis and Elkins College, 1977 MA Degree Central Michigan University, Certified Public Procurement Official (Life-time)

Billy leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Mary A. Bland, to cherish his memory, his son, Steven Phillip Bland from this marriage, and two sons from a previous marriage, David William Bland and Douglas James Bland and 5 grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter from his first marriage, Dawn Eileen Bland who only survived 2 days from birth.

A visitation at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home for Billy will be held Friday, February 18, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. A memorial service at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home Chapel will occur Friday, February 18, 2022 at 2:00 PM. Interment will be at Carolina Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carolinamemorial.com for the Bland family.