Celebrating the life of
Ronald Gene Black
July 13, 1938 - May 22, 2016
Our loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle, Ronald Gene Black, 77, returned home to his Heavenly Father on Sunday May 22, 2016, with his loving wife by his side. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Freida Maher Black (Rock Hill, SC), his sons and their spouses, David & Rashelle Black (Pleasant Grove, UT), Shawn Black (Hagerstown, MD), Matthew & Kim Black (Herriman, UT), Chris & Aimee Black (Oviedo, FL) and Brian & Theresa Gorby (Savannah, GA); sisters Ruth Cessna and Vera Whetstine, 29 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, nieces; nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Emerson Black, his mother Mary Madeline Bare and his sisters Judy Long and Nancy McLellan.
He was born July 13, 1938, in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He joined The United States Army after graduating from Altoona High School. First Sergeant Black honorably served his country for more than 27 years, earning the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and many awards along the way. He served in Asmara, Eretria and Okinawa, Japan before spending the majority of his service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in Washington, D.C. After retiring from the Army, he continued his dedication to his country by serving as treasurer at WRAMC for 20 more years. He enjoyed sports (especially baseball), reading and spending time with his family and friends. He also loved being one with nature and spending time working on beautiful cross stitch designs. Just like his father, he had a great love of trains, which was inspired by the famous Horseshoe Curve where he grew up in Altoona.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 4th, 2016 at 12p.m. at the Alto-Reste Chapel, with the burial being in the Garden of Honor at the Alto-Reste Park with military rites. A memorial lunch will follow.
Memorial donations may be made in his honor to Fisher House Foundation, who provide military families housing close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury. Fisherhouse.org (Make This Donation A Tribute*)
We will forever adore and remember you. We will stand taller and stronger, knowing you are now watching over us, always believing.
My sincere condolences to the Black Family on the passing of your dear loved one. May Jehovah God, the God of comfort grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28(to resurrect those who have been asleep in death. May fond memories of Ronald linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come.
- Henry, Lawrenceville, GA
We are all richer for having known Ron Black. Our hearts and prayers are with his family at this time.
- Sperry Ashcraft, Columbia, Md
So sorry and my sympathies to Ron's wife , children sisters,grandchildren , nieces, nephews and friends form his cousin Don(Donny) Sgro--Sorry I could not be there Have fond memories as a very young child with him and his siblings.A great and respected and patriotic man who was loved immensely. See ya in paradise Cous'
- Don Sgro, Altoona, Pa.
We will miss you, Ron. We enjoyed all the times we spent with you and Freida. We wish we would have met you years ago so we could have more cherished moments. You were one of the kindest and most gentle men we had the privilege of knowing. Freida, you were very fortunate to have Ron as a husband. We love you.
- Leif and Dawn Carlson, Sandy, UT
Ron will be dearly missed by all who knew him. I am especially thankful to have known him. He was a dear man who's time we had together I will always cherish. Rest in peace dear Ron.
- Marie Bromley, Syracuse, NY
To the Black Family. Sending my deepest Condolences. So sorry for your loss.
- Liz Graham , Sun City, CA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We are grateful we were able to meet and know him. We wish all of you peace and comfort.
- Michael and Elena Duncan, Clermont, FL
Thinking of your family during this difficult and sad time. May our Heavenly Father bless you with peace and comfort, knowing that all is well with Brother Black.
- Diane and Skip Sasser, Tybee Island, GA
Grief is the last act of love we can give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief there was great love...... Missing you.
- Theresa and Brian, Savannah, GA
My sincere condolences to the Black Family on the passing of your dear loved one. May Jehovah God, the God of comfort grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28(to resurrect those who have been asleep in death. May fond memories of Ronald linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come.
- Henry, Lawrenceville, GA
We are all richer for having known Ron Black. Our hearts and prayers are with his family at this time.
- Sperry Ashcraft, Columbia, Md
So sorry and my sympathies to Ron's wife , children sisters,grandchildren , nieces, nephews and friends form his cousin Don(Donny) Sgro--Sorry I could not be there Have fond memories as a very young child with him and his siblings.A great and respected and patriotic man who was loved immensely. See ya in paradise Cous'
- Don Sgro, Altoona, Pa.
We will miss you, Ron. We enjoyed all the times we spent with you and Freida. We wish we would have met you years ago so we could have more cherished moments. You were one of the kindest and most gentle men we had the privilege of knowing. Freida, you were very fortunate to have Ron as a husband. We love you.
- Leif and Dawn Carlson, Sandy, UT
Ron will be dearly missed by all who knew him. I am especially thankful to have known him. He was a dear man who's time we had together I will always cherish. Rest in peace dear Ron.
- Marie Bromley, Syracuse, NY
To the Black Family. Sending my deepest Condolences. So sorry for your loss.
- Liz Graham , Sun City, CA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We are grateful we were able to meet and know him. We wish all of you peace and comfort.
- Michael and Elena Duncan, Clermont, FL
Thinking of your family during this difficult and sad time. May our Heavenly Father bless you with peace and comfort, knowing that all is well with Brother Black.
- Diane and Skip Sasser, Tybee Island, GA
Grief is the last act of love we can give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief there was great love...... Missing you.
- Theresa and Brian, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
