J.R. Bland

J.R. Bland, 82, of Searcy, passed away Wednesday, February 14th, 2024. He was born March 15th, 1941 in Searcy, Arkansas to the late Vera and O’neal. He was most known for his role of Papa to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and was loved by all who knew him.
 
He is survived by one son, Michael Bland (Danette) of Branson, Missouri; one daughter, Anita Smithey of Searcy; one brother, Lester Bland (Janiece) of Bella Vista; seven grandchildren, Tara (Jose), Ashlei, Dustin (Raven), Micah (Jordan), Cody, Paige, and Dylan; four great-grandchildren, Keaton, Gabriel, Aiden and Braxton.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, O’neal and Vera (Swinford) Bland; wife, Carolyn Bland and son-in-law, Mark Smithey.
 
Visitation Will be at Searcy McEuen Funeral Home on Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be Friday, February 16, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Searcy McEuen Funeral Home followed by burial at White County Memorial Gardens. www.searcymceuenfuneralhome.com.