Sylvester Eugene "Billy" Bland

Sylvester "Billy" Bland, 72, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was born March 21, 1952 in McKenny, Virginia.

Billy was a jack of all trades and spent his early years driving trucks and serving as a neighborhood mechanic. He loved to spend his past time with family and friends, going to the casino, and shooting pool, which he was a master of the game and appreciated every opportunity to showcase his skills. He has earned many acknowledgments, trophies and awards. His teammates were like family.  Billy was a man with a genuine spirit and a magnetic energy. An individual that always looked for an opportunity to help someone in need, a role model that would give his last without a second thought, a social butterfly who tried to spread joy to everyone. He enjoyed being the life of the party. He announced himself wherever he went, because no one was ever a stranger. He entered every space as though everyone was waiting on him to arrive. He loved his family and close friends, which he adopted as family, with his whole heart and there was nothing he wouldn't do for them.

Sylvester is survived by Deborah Bland, his wife of 46 years; two sons, Sylvester Brown (Michelle Murray) and Ryan Bland, one daughter, Marsylia (Pernell) Barkley Major, Jamie Bland (daughter-in-law), 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, uncles, Abraham (Ruth) Bland, James (Louise) Bland, Milton (Kaye) Jones, Raymond and John (Sally) Jones, along with a multitude of cousins; a few that were like brothers and sisters you know who you are, because he announced it often to anyone that would listen. (Kelleph, Laurie, Barbra, Annette, just to name a few). 

 Sylvester was preceded in death by his mother, Eva Mae Bland, one son, Najae Bland, grandmother, Tent Bonner, and his grandfather, Jake Bonner.

A memorial service for Sylvester "Billy" Bland will be held on Wednesday October 2, 2024 at 12 noon at Nelson Memorial Gardens, 1338 Eliza St. Fort Wayne, IN. 46803

All of the condolences, cards, prayers, calls and kind words are greatly appreciated. The memories we share will never be forgotten.  

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