Eric Byron Bland

Eric Byron Bland

It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we announce Eric Bland’s passing on June 5, 2025.

Eric Byron Bland, 55, born June 18, 1969, is preceded in death by his father, Willard Bland. He is survived by his mother, Cleo Bland of Roswell, sisters Tia Bland of Albuquerque, Kimberly Harvey of Las Cruces, Beverly Sharp and Wanda Bland of San Augustine, Texas and brothers Jonaton “Budgie” Bland of Albuquerque and Willard Bland of Austin, Texas; children Christopher Williams of Albuquerque, Eric “EJ” Bland of Las Vegas, Nevada and Ashlee Coakley of Albuquerque. Kristen Garcia, Isaac Ingram, and Tevin Ingram (preceded in death), all of Tucumcari, New Mexico, were children Eric loved and helped raise.

Eric was born in Lamesa, Texas and grew up in New Mexico. His parents moved from Texas to New Mexico when his father became the pastor of a church in Carlsbad, New Mexico. In 1980, his father’s ministry moved the family to Roswell, New Mexico.

Eric graduated from Roswell High School in 1987 and received a basketball scholarship to attend Point Loma Nazarene University, in San Diego, California, where he was a student-athlete for two years.

Eric worked as a correctional officer. He was effective in that role, earning respect from inmates and fellow officers for his ability to positively influence inmates with his great gift of gab. Eric also worked as a landscaper. He found pleasure and fulfillment transforming a yard. He said, “I love the before and after.”

Participating in community sports activities brought him joy. After he could no longer play his favorite sport of basketball, due to two complicated hip replacements and a deteriorating back, he jumped at the chance to referee basketball games and coach young players to reach their athletic potential. He lived with daily chronic pain. Most people were not aware of this because his inner joy and big smile remained part of him until the end.

Eric enjoyed cooking and eating. He knew his way around the kitchen and relished a good meal, savoring all of the ingredients in every bite. His passion for singing was undeniable. His favorite hymns were “He Touched Me” and “Blessed Assurance.” Eric always carried a song in his heart and he touched other people’s hearts when he sang, belting it out from the depth of his soul.

He developed his musical talent at a very young age, singing in the church junior choir. On many occasions, soon after he learned to drive, he served as his father’s driver and guest soloist, accompanying his father to preaching engagements.

All of those experiences shaped his life and led him to a higher calling in the ministry, an assignment he embraced with humility and enthusiasm in 2014, when he told his family he would begin his preaching ministry. His presence at the pulpit was powerful, a “chip off the old block,” some have said. He was a licensed minister who used all of his gifts to the glory of God.

Eric never met a stranger. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He will forever live on in the hearts of those who love him dearly and sorely miss his earthy presence.

To celebrate his life, a wake is scheduled on Friday, June 27, 4-7 p.m., at LaGrone Funeral Chapel, 900 S. Main, Roswell, New Mexico. A funeral service is scheduled Saturday, June 28, 11 a.m., at First Church of the Nazarene, 501 N. Sycamore Avenue, Roswell, New Mexico.

The Bland family wishes to express its deepest gratitude for the endearing love and support from friends and loved ones during this time of loss and grief.

Arrangements are under the personal care of LaGrone Funeral Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com