John William Bland, Jr.

John ”Sonny” William Bland Jr., Born February 6th ,1940 age 83, passed away on February 17, 2023.

John is preceded in passing by his parents , John Sr. and Dorothy Bland. and his sister, Betty Allen. Here to carry on his memory is his adoring wife, Linda Jackson Bland; his children Dorothy Bland Case, Johnna Bland Gilkison(Mark),                          John “Little Sonny” William Bland III;  his grandchildren Nichole Stienmetz, Austin Smith, Mark Gilkison II, Hayden Gilkison,  Hadessah Zetko, Braelyn Bland; three great grandchildren; his siblings Shirley Veetch, Gene Bland, Rose Conaster, and Rick Bland; and a host of extended family and friends.

John prided himself as a family man at heart. His favorite thing in the world was spending time with his family, especially all of his grand babies. A veteran of Ransdell Surgical , serving as shipping manager for 17 years, he knew the industry inside out and more importantly, he made great working relationships with everyone along the way. A hobby of his was collecting, mostly guns , knives and coins. He also enjoyed playing golf. He was a proud member of the NRA. He was recognized as a Kentucky colonel in March of 1985arch of 1985, and became an honorary captain of the Bell of Louisville in June of 1985.

A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, from 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Louisville Memorial Gardens East, 11601 Ballardsville Road. A funeral service in John's honor will begin at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at the funeral home, with burial to follow in Louisville Memorial Gardens East.