Billy (Bill) F. Black, 86, of Greenwood (Excelsior), Arkansas passed away at home on December 13, 2020. He was born on November 30, 1934, at home, a short distance away in Hackett to Virgil and Lois Black.
Bill was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is known for his love of Jesus, sacrificial love and hard work for his family, service heart, sense of humor, love of music, domino-playing skills, and his love of being outdoors on the farm. After graduating with honors from Hackett High School in 1952, he travelled to California for work and met and fell in love with his wife, and life-long love, Joy, of 63 years. He served in the Army, stationed in Fort Chaffee and Fort Gordon, and then returned to Arkansas. Bill was a dairy farmer for the majority of his life, with one of the larger farms in Sebastian County. His retirement job, until his 80th birthday, was serving as a hard-working, dependable mail carrier in Fort Smith where he had a walking route and made many friends along his routes.
Everyone who knew Bill enjoyed his company and his humor. Over the years, he was a beloved patriarch who welcomed all to his home and when the family gathered, he loved to be in the middle of the fun, laughing and joining in the joy of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by wife, Joy Black; children Cheryl Garner, Vicki (Sam) Heintz, and Brian (Virginia) Black; 10 grandchildren - Annsley and Kippin Garner, Oliver (Mary), Jacob (Libbi), Tilly, John, and Emily Heintz; Ralph and Erin Black and Alexa (Shane) Bostian. 2 great-grandchildren – Joseph Heintz and Rory Bostian; and siblings Sammy, Tommy, Bobby, and Jimmy Black, and Wanda Moody and Sue Owenby. Bill was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 15th, at the home of Brian Black from 5:00-7:00 pm and the funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 16th at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Fort Smith, 1400 Grand Ave. under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood.
