Thomas Robert Bland, Sr., age 83, of Casselberry, Florida, passed away on March 8, 2021. He is survived by his wife Jane F. (Kreuzberg) Bland, son Thomas Robert Bland, Jr., and daughter Sydney Bland (Ronald) Jones.

Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 17, 2021 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 861 Maitland Ave, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. Observance of CDC Guidelines to avoid Covid-19 transmission are to be practiced.

Reception to follow Mass from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Maitland Civic Center, 641 Maitland Ave S, Maitland, FL 32751.

In lieu of flowers a donation in Tom's memory may be given to Vitas Hospice: https://vitascommunityconnection.org/ or to the University of Central Florida Foundation and choose the Knights Athletics Program: https://www.ucffoundation.org/givenow or to West Liberty University, West Liberty, West Virginia Football program here: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E168444&id=1

Tom was born and raised in Wheeling, WV. After graduating from Wheeling High School in 1956, he joined the United States Marine Corps. Upon the completion of his service, he entered West Liberty State College, Wheeling.

He married his college sweetheart, Jane and began a highly successful pro-football career with the legendary Wheeling Ironmen of the United Football League (1962-1964). The speedy wide receiver was chosen "MVP" for 1963.
He joined the Fort Wayne (IN) Warriors of the Continental Football League in 1965 and made an immediate impact leading the league in receiving and earning yet another team "MVP Award".

His football journey took him to Orlando in 1966 where he was player-coach for the Orlando Panthers of the Continental Football League. He was all CFL Selection during each four of his seasons with the Panthers and was twice selected as "Team MVP". He was the number one receiver in the history of the Continental Football League which earned Tom a chance at the Canadian Football League where he was signed by the Toronto Argonauts (1970-1971). There he was selected as CFL "Import Rookie of the Year" for 1970.

After hanging up his cleats for the final time he and his family returned home to Orlando 1971. He served as a teacher and football coach for Lakeview, Lake Brantley, and Evans High Schools. In 1979 and 1980 he was the offensive coach for the newly begun University of Central Florida football program.

During the years of 1982-1984 he joined the Tampa Bay Bandits (Steve Spurrier) of the United States Football League where he served as player personnel. In 1985 he was again in player personnel for the Orlando Renegades (Lee Corso) USFL.

With Perry Moss as head coach of the Orlando Predators in the Arena Football League, Tom served as receivers coach for 1991 and 1992 all the while being a successful businessman in Orlando, and a competitive scratch golfer!

His success on the pro-football circuit was recognized in 1982 when he was inducted into the Minor League Football Hall of Fame. He was inducted into West Liberty University's Hall of Fame in 1992.

A life well-lived is worth remembering!!

"The Man with the Golden Hands"
You have heard the roar of the crowd,
You have given your fans joy,
That roar is a memory now,
But what memories they are!

Moving down the field,
Spectacular catches in flight.
The valley boys remember well;
Tom Bland's exploits on Sunday evening.

Pound for pound, as they say,
You were the best at your position.
God granted you talent and drive;
you wasted neither.

You have a beautiful wife
And lovely children, too.
They know they are fortunate
To have you as a husband and father.

We, your friends and fans, are pleased
To see you honored this day.
For we will always remember,
The man with the golden hands.
by Larry Williams 10/3/1992

The family of Thomas Robert Bland, Sr. invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his loving memory.