• William E. Black

    3 Dec 2016




    • Born: December 29, 1917
    • Died: December 3, 2016
    • Location: Mount Ida, AR

     

    William E. Black of Mt. Ida passed away December 3.  He was 98 years of age.  Known as Bill by most people he enlisted in the Army in March 1941.  He served his country for the next 4 ½ years winding up in the Army Air Corps as the Radio Operator in a B-17.  His crew was shot down twice.  The second time Bill and the other survivors were taken prisoner by the Germans where they remained for the next nine months.  After being discharged in 1945 Bill came back home and got involved in local politics.  He served his county 4 years as County Sheriff, 10 years as County Clerk, and 8 years as County Judge.  His passion though was farming.  He was happiest when he was working his cattle.

    He was predeceased by his parents, Ed and Era Forbes Black, His wife Essie Wibel Black, his wife Leota Faye Black, his sister Alta Garner, his sister Era Goodner, and his brother Harold “Sandy” Black.  He is survived by two sisters, Druzelle Jenkins and Ola Belle Kostelnik, both of Mt. Ida, by his 6 sons:  Phillip Black, Bill Black, Jimmy John Black, and Alvin Black, all of Mt. Ida, Charles Black of Texarkana, and Matthew Black of Izmir, Turkey.  Survivors also include 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

    Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 7, 5-7 p.m. at Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida. Funeral Services will be under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home and will be held Thursday, December 8 at 10:00 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Ida. Pallbearers: Roy Black, Mike Moudy, Roger Garner, Jeff Black, Greg Black and Johnny Black. Burial will be at Stanley-Standridge Cemetery. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

  • Comments below are approved by Thornton Funeral Home before they are displayed.

  • 11 comments

    Tammy Turner

    5 Dec 2016

    So sorry for your loss. It should give you some peace knowing that he is now with his precious wife again. Prayers for you all. Love, Tammy Turner

    Reply

    Ed French

    6 Dec 2016

    To Charles, Alvin, and all the Black family, my deepest condolences on the sad news of your father's passing. I know the whole Mt. Ida and Montgomery County community is sharing my sentiments for a man who impacted that part of the world in so many ways. I hope you all are doing well in light of this, and that your Holiday Season will be filled with many blessings and fond and warm thoughts and memories of your father and the legacy he left.

    Reply

    mary Pugh (Kinsey)

    6 Dec 2016
    Facebook

    Sorry for your loss prayers are with y'all

    Reply

    Janet Kelley Lynn

    6 Dec 2016

    My prayers for all of you. This man had my greatest respect. I remember him as a quiet, gentle, gentleman. He always had the same seat at church, was always respectful of everyone and he loved his boys! Be proud of his life well lived.

    Reply

    jim thornton

    7 Dec 2016

    Mr. Black was always friendly and helpful to me and my family. His sons were great friends to me and my brothers. Mr. Black was a solid citizen in Mt Ida for many years. I know he will be missed but also remembered. Sincerely, Jim Thornton

    Reply

    Marcia Short Endersby

    7 Dec 2016

    I loved reading your dad's book, so many of the political events I remembered as a young girl. The Black and Bates families always had each other's backs. I feel Bill was part of my family too. I hope all six of you boys know I will be thinking of you in the days to come and want each of you to remember how lucky you are to have had him so long. My love and prayers to all the family. Marcia

    Reply

    Lisa (Thurber) Martin

    7 Dec 2016

    I'm so very sorry to learn of Mr. Black's passing. I was blessed to get the opportunity to meet and visit with he and his lovely wife Leota Fay when I worked in Montgomery County several years ago. They were fine people. My most sincere condolences go to the entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

    Reply

    Steve and Susan Hays

    7 Dec 2016

    Uncle Bill was a true hero to us. I felt so privileged to sit back at the roosters retreat and have a cold one with him. Uncle Bill was so proud of his boys, he will truly be missed. We wish we could be there , but you know our situation. Love to all of you.

    Reply

    Loyal Rowland

    8 Dec 2016

    Prayers for family.

    Reply

    Edwin Garner

    8 Dec 2016

    Uncle Bill was an awesome man and great role model. In addition to his military service and service to Montgomery County, he was a man of faith, full of kindness, and a hard worker. As I was a lad growing up, I spent many days in his presence. Those days developed memories that I will always treasure. As Christians, we can be comforted in knowing that he was not only a part of our past, but also part of our future. Love to all the family. Edwin Garner

    Reply

    Mick and Mary Gunn

    9 Dec 2016

    Dear Bill, Phil, Jimmy John, Chuck, Alvin and Matthew, We were saddened to learn of your father's passing but wanted you to know what great memories we have of him. He was such a kind, caring and gentle man. He always welcomed us when we had an opportunity to see him and we loved listening to his stories and laughing with him. Bill even invited Mary to join Mick and him at the Rooster's Retreat during one of our visits. Another special memory was the day he took us with him to feed the cattle. His strength and agility were amazing. We admired, respected and loved him very much. For us he represented the very best of the greatest generation. What a courageous and humble man. Mick feels honored to have had him as an uncle. With our deepest sympathy, Mick and Mary

    Reply