Curtis Bland Jr. 79, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Lutheran Hospital. He was born in Grenada, Mississippi on November 27, 1939 to late biological father Steve Murry and adoptive father Curtis Bland Sr. & Hazle Bland-Jernigan. Step-father Clemmie Jernigan raised Curtis to be a man of integrity and unshakable character. Curtis was an All-American medley relay swimmer and a man committed to his family. He impacted all those he came in contact with; he was a light to the world. He devoted his life to being a very patient, caring, and understanding man. Curtis retired as a foreman from Tokheim Corporation after 35 years of service and retired as a counselor from Parkview Behavioral Health. He was a member of Forgiven Church.

On June 11, 1960 he married the love of his life Violet (Andrews) Bland, who survives him along with their 3 sons; Mark, Kurt, and Antonay Bland; 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and siblings Christine Jones, James (June) Murry, Steve (Verline) Murry Jr., Lilla (Daryl) Horton, John (Shirley) Dunnaway, Marie Dunnaway, Elaine Murry, Michael Murry, and Claytor Bland. Curtis was preceded in death by his siblings Victor Murry, Brady Bland, and Kenneth Jernigan.

Visitation will be held at 11am and funeral service at 12pm Noon on Monday, April 29, 2019 at Covington Memorial, 8408 Covington Rd, Fort Wayne, IN. Pastor Scott Ochsner will officiate the service. Entombment will be in Covington Memorial Gardens.