Richard E. Black Sr.

Mr. Richard E. Black Sr. age 87 of Cleveland passed away Sunday, August 14, 2011 at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Richard Black was born November 15, 1923 in Atlanta and was raised in Atlanta and Cleveland, the son of the late Carl and Rosamond Black. He married Mary Louise (Underwood) Black in 1944 and lived in the Atlanta area until 1980 the returned to Cleveland. He worked in the construction industry as an engineer and general contractor. Richard graduated from Cleveland High School and Rabun Gap Nacoochee College where he lettered in basketball. He served a tour of duty during World War II in the Army Air Force, then attended Georgia Tech and received his degree in Civil Engineering. Mr. Black was a member of First Baptist Church of Cleveland, the White County Historical Society and the Roy Head Post 16, American Legion. Mr. Black was preceded in death by his wife Mary Louise Black, son Richard E. (Rick) Black Jr., and brother Charles David Black Sr. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Robert Lance and Connie Black, Seattle, WA; sister, Shirley McDonald; brothers and sisters in law, Lamar (Pinkey) and Betty Black, Bill and Conchita Black; sister-in-law, Dot Black, all of Cleveland; grandchildren, Tracy and Dave Pierson, Leavenworth, KS, Lauren Black, Atlanta; great-grandchildren, Chris Pierson, Dillion Pierson, Caretaker and special friend, Karen Alexander; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services are scheduled for 11: 00 AM Wednesday, August 17, 2011 from the Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home. Dr. Ken Ross and the Rev. Dennis Turner will officiate. Interment will follow in Gateway Memory Park. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Cleveland Historic Cemetery Fund or the White County Historical Society, P.O. Box 1139 Cleveland, GA 30528. The family will receive friends from 2-4 & 6-9 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the family at barrettfh.com. Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.