Fred Douglas Bland Jr. was born on February 29, 1944 in Tallhatchee, Mississippi to the proud parents of Fred Douglas Bland, Sr. and Elee Rice. His parents, one sister, Etoy Meaders and grandparents all preceded him in death.

Fred D. Jr. was educated in the public school system of East St. Louis School District #189. He went on to enlist in the Navy-USN on October 10, 1963. He served as a fireman marine, earning a National Defense Service Medal. Fred received an honorable discharge from active service on June 10,1967. Then he reenlisted in the Naval Reserve Man power Center in Brainbridge, Maryland and was released on September 10, 1969. His total years of service were from 1963 to 1969.

After Fred left the service, he began living life on life's terms. Fred loved fishing. He and his friends from Gateway Foundation is where he began another series of education. Fred became employed as a drug counselor for that foundation which became one of his proudest achievements. Not to mention him becoming a proud great grand PaPa to De Marion Stubbs whom he taught to fish and many other life lessons on how to stay out of trouble.

Fred leaves to cherish his life partner, Arlene Yates; great grandson, DeMarion Stubbs; two brothers, Hayden and Norvell Bland; his life partner's children, Kevin, Lorenzo III, Lauren and Jerry, whom he grew very fond of; one brother-in-law Willie G. Meaders; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends; all his New Day family and Gateway Foundation family will miss him dearly. Special friends, Chester, Ernest, Michael, Henry, Reginald and Victor will miss him also.