Mr. Brady Bland departed this earthly life on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at the age of 68 years. He was born April 2, 1946 in Saginaw, Michigan to Clemmie and Hazel Jernigan.
Brady accepted Christ at an early age at Bethlehem Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor E.W. Bothuel. He was a graduate of St. Joseph High School. After graduation Brady served in the United States Army receiving an honorable discharge. He was employed at General Motors Malleable Iron Foundry and was a member of UAW Local 455. Brady retired after 33 years of faithful service. He worked with the youth at the Saginaw Neighborhood House under the direction of Ray Culpepper. Brady also coached football at Ricker Middle School and Central Middle School. Brady was the father of five but a father figure to many. He had the pleasure of watching three generations grow. Mr. Bland or Uncle Brady was a man who stood for family and was a perfect example of a good provider. He enjoyed fishing. Brady was well known for his barbequing and great taste for tacos. His presence will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He leaves to celebrate his legacy his devoted wife of 41 years, Patrice Bland; their children, Brady Meriday of Atlanta, Georgia, Tamara, Chevaski and Zandra Leigh James all of Saginaw, Michigan and Cameron James of Bay City, Michigan; one godson, Shervin (Samatha) Keels of Holland, Michigan; eleven grandchildren, Marcelis James, Anthony Jones, Tamavion Jones, Trayvion James, Kamarion James, Camello James, Camreona James, Chevaski James Jr., Jenniya Skyy James, LaSavion and Christopher Meridy; two sisters, Christine James of Saginaw, Michigan and Patricia (John) Harrold of Coral Springs, Florida; three brothers, Curtis (Violet) Bland and Kenneth Jernigan both of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Claytor Bland; a special brother, Levon (Rochelle) McCain; a host of nieces and nephews; one aunt, Marie Dunnaway of Saginaw, Michigan; one uncle, John (Shirley) Dunnaway of Saginaw, Michigan; many cousins including a special cousin, Williams Thomas Jr.; five sisters-in-law, Katie (Melvin) Coleman, Lillian (David) Hibbler, Shirley (Roy) Cannon, Gwendolyn Robinson and Vivian Bynum; two brothers-in-law, Roy and Terry Robinson; many other relatives and friends including his special friends, Harry Redeemer, Bob Harrison, John Packard and Henry Baldwin.
Brady was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Clemmie Jernigan.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Ivan E. Phillips and the staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel, all our friends and family for your prayers, condolences and acts of kindness. Please continue to keep our family in your thought and prayers as we honor a great mans homegoing.
Sunrise: April 2, 1946
Sunset: December 9, 2014
Visitation: Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 9:00am until time of service
Family Hour: 10:00am
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan
989-754-4826
Celebration of Life: Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 11:00am
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan
989-754-4826
Officiating: Reverend Bernard Harris
Interment: Great Lakes National Cemetery
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