Allen "Sugar Bear" Black Jr.

Allen attended elementary school in Bastrop, Texas. He later moved to Austin, Texas where he joined Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Washington. He completed his education in 1968, graduating from Old L.C. Anderson High School in Austin, Texas. Allen then furthered his education at Prairie View A & M in Prairie View, Texas.

In the early 1970's, Allen met the former Founder and Owner of Antone's Night Club, Clifford Antone, of Port Arthur, Texas. Becoming acquainted with Clifford would jump start Allen's career of traveling, promoting blues music and meeting several blues artist such as: Stevie Ray Vaughn, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Little Milton and Bobby Biand, just to name a few. Although, he never played an instrument Allen would pick at the guitar enthusiastically.

During his career, of over thirty years with Antone's, Allen was given the famous name "E.M.C.E.E. Sugar Bear."

Allen was also the Founder and Owner of Platinum Custom Made Jewelry, which he closed in the early 90's to continue traveling with a variety of bands on Antone's record label. He continued to make custom pieces for locals as well as musicians until around 1995, when he began to spend time with his family and first grandchild, Sierra.

Sugar Bear leaves to cherish his love and memories to his two daughters Denise L. Brown and Alkeisha L. Black; two granddaughters Sierra R. Brown and Alerra B. Wallace, all of Austin, Texas; a special friend and caregiver Barbara J. Brown of Austin, Texas, seven non-biological sons who he raised and loved dearly: Lawrence, Johnny, Charles, Dante, Rashan, Chante and Averon; one godson: Alan Guyton; one first cousin: Ava Mathis (James); one dedicated friend Susan Antone; and a host of family and friends.

Allen Harold Black Jr. is preceded in death by both parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, three uncles and two aunts.

The family will honor Allen “Sugar Bear” Black Jr. with a formal visitation, held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 19, 2014 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard Austin, Texas.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday September, 20, 2014 at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Austin, Texas.