Manuel Bland Jr. died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, at his home. He was 86.

Mr. Bland retired as a truck driver for Waterways Experiment Station. He was a member of New Rock of Ages Church, where he had served as chairman of the deacon board. He was a member of Paragon Lodge No. 7 F&AM.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel Sr. and Mary Bland; and five brothers and a sister.

Survivors include one son, Manuel Bland III of Vicksburg; five daughters, Ruth Bland, Joyce Buchanon, Juton Miller, Freddie Thompson and Florice Chambers, all of Vicksburg; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

W.H. Jefferson Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.