Roy Bland Obituary

Roy K. Bland, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones. Roy was born on January 14, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Kenneth Eugene Bland and Gracie Belle Driskill.

Roy’s lifelong passion for horses led him to become an avid and successful horse trainer. His unparalleled skill in training made him a respected figure in the equine community. Roy took immense pride in his work and found joy in every opportunity to nurture and guide the horses under his care. In addition to his work with horses, Roy was also a talented and accomplished auto body painter.

On June 1, 2017, Roy married the love of his life, Lisa Bland. Together, they shared a bond filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Roy’s family meant the world to him, and he was a proud and devoted father to Ashley Bolt, Alexander Bolt (wife, Taylor Bolt), and Kenneth Bland. Above all, his newest role, and greatest joy was being a grandfather to his precious granddaughter, Sunny Bliss Bolt (Alexander & Taylor). Roy’s love for his family was unwavering, and he found immense happiness in watching them grow and thrive.

Roy is also survived by his beloved siblings: Paula Launius (husband, Keith Launius), Pat Foster, and Keith Gibson (wife, Jennifer Gibson), as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. As an uncle, Roy was a role model and a constant source of love and support, as he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, warmth, and generosity. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, and his brother, Gary Foley.

In addition to his devotion to family and horses, Roy had a wide range of interests. He enjoyed traveling, embracing new experiences, and indulging in his love of sports, especially horse racing. But above all, Roy treasured the time spent with his wife, Lisa, his greatest companion and confidante.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services, with a memorial service to follow beginning at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Roy’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to his heart.

Roy’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be missed more than words can express.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serv the family and friends of Roy Bland. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roy Kim Bland, please visit our floral store.