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February 12, 1943  –  April 28, 2023

Mr. Herbert E. Blanding of Hopewell, passed away peacefully, Friday, April 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife and friends at the Henrico Doctor’s Hospital, Forest Hill Ave, Richmond.

Mr. Bland was born February 12, 1943, in Halifax County, NC to the late Dennis L. Blanding, Sr. and Lily A. Blanding.

He devoted his life at an early to Christ and attended the family’s church, Powell’s Creek Baptist Church in Prince George, VA.

He was educated in the Prince George county school system and professionally worked for 37 years at Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation in Hopewell

Herbert loved to help any one in need and if anything was broken, he was the man to call to fix it. Helping others brought him such great joy. Herbert, being the baby brother, assumed the role as big brother and family patriarch. He loved music and enjoyed life.

He was preceded in death by: brothers, Nathan, Chester, George and Dennis Blanding; sisters, Willie Blanding, Jannie Belle Sykes, Arlene Boyd, Annie Mae Sykes and Dorothy Moore.

Left to cherish his precious memories are: his loving and devoted wife of 21 years, Joyce E. Blanding; a loving sister, Ms. Lillie M. Johnson; in-laws, William Irving (Valerie), Jennie Blanding, Eliza Peterson , (William), Florence Tate, James Grammar (Margie), Irene Poindexter, Katherine Grammar, Rev. Dr. Ethleen Blanding, and devoted brother-in-law, John Grammar; several dear nieces and nephews, among them devoted, Larry Blanding, and host of devoted friends and church family, among them devoted friend, Wilbert.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2pm, Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the chapel of Bland Funeral Home, 137 Harrison Street, Petersburg. Rev. Robert L. Barnes, officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Prince George.

Final Arrangements have been entrusted to the caring professionals of Bland Funeral Homes, 137 Harrison St., Petersburg, VA, 23803. (804) 732-7841. Please keep this family in Prayer.

www.blandfuneralhomes.com.