Remembering one of our most dedicated baritones, Kenny Bland, Sr

February 23, 1938 - August 25, 2023

Kenny was a very dedicated member of our group for over 15 years. Not content to be just a very musically talented baritone, he selflessly served on our administrative committee a number of times in the roles of retreat coordinator and a term as president. Always ready to pitch in to help the group, he was our backup 'pitch' man, blowing the pitch pipe for each song during performances, when needed. He certainly took his commitment to the group very seriously, but his sense of humor kept us all light-hearted and laughing. He never hesitated to share with us how humbled he was to not only sing in our group but also to be in it with his son, Ken, Jr. All of us in the group will miss his smile, his humor and his melodies. Rest in peace, our brother!
The family would like to share their thoughts below:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kenneth "Kenny" Leroy Bland, age 85, a cherished soul who brought music and joy to the lives of all who knew him. Surrounded by his beloved family and friends, Kenny peacefully journeyed to the heavens on Friday, August 25, 2023, at WakeMed Health in Raleigh, NC. 
Kenny, son of the late Inez and Delbert Bland was born on February 23, 1938, in Indianapolis, IN, and lived in Garner, NC.  He is survived by his wife Constance "Connie" Sue Bland of 61 years, daughter Mary Alice Jacobs and spouse Charles "Jake" Allen Jacobs of Cary, NC, grandsons Greyson Charles Jacobs of Raleigh, NC and Reese Thomason Jacobs of Cary, NC and son, Kenneth "Ken" Leroy Bland Jr of Garner, NC.  
Kenny graduated from Broad Ripple High School and attended Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Kenny served in the Army and the Army National Guard of Indiana. Kenny and Connie are most proud of their twins, Mary and Ken. Kenny worked in the tire business from 1962 and retired in 1993.
 Kenny was a true maestro, finding his greatest passion in the art of singing and playing the piano. He started playing piano when he was 10 years old and was playing the piano in the lobby of Wake Medical Hospital before his passing.  Kenny started singing when he was 14 years of age.  He sang and arranged music for his High School quartet, the Rocketaires/Fi-Dels, he was a 50+ year member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, charter member of the North Carolina Harmony Brigade, founded and charted the Wayneairres Barbershop Chorus in Wooster, OH, a member of several Barbershop Choruses including Oak City Sound and Raleigh Royal A cappella.  He also sang in a number of Barbershop Quartets.  He was most proud to be singing with The Master's Men, along with his son.
Beyond his musical talents, Kenny never met a stranger no matter where he was.  He had an uncanny ability to connect with others whether it was just a casual conversation or teaching tags, where laughter and music intertwined in perfect harmony. Kenny's presence was a gift, his smile infectious, and his generosity knew no bounds.
 Kenny's legacy will live on in the countless memories he leaves behind. His family and friends find solace in knowing that he is now playing his heavenly piano and singing in the choir. As we mourn his loss, let us also celebrate the beautiful life he lived and the profound impact he had on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.
  
May Kenny's melodies echo in our hearts forever. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.