Ronald W. Black

Born in 1947, Ron spent his youth like many others playing in the woods of Alabama and Florida. After graduating from Hewett Trussville High School, where he served as Drum Major for the Marching Band, Ron enrolled at Jacksonville State University to further his studies. After spending a year in school, Ron was called to serve his country and proceeded to enlist in the United States Army. After basic training, Ron was awarded the American Spirit Award for the “most outstanding graduate” of his basic training class. With a clear idea of what he wanted, Ron then Graduated from Airborne training at Fort Benning, GA and soon after was awarded his Ranger tab. Still wanting more, Ron then completed the “Q” Course to become a member of the elite Army Special Forces, AKA “The Green Berets” and was assigned as a Lieutenant with 5th Group Special Forces and was deployed to II Corps and in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. While in country, Ron served with the II Corps Mobile Strike Force (MIKEFORCE) and served his country with distinction. During his time in Vietnam, Ron was awarded, among others, the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and Bronze Star with a V for valor. Upon his return to the US, Ron served with the Ranger Cadre until he left active duty. After active duty, Ron continued to serve with the 20th Group Special Forces until his retirement. After leaving the Army, Ron met his wife Martha Kirk Black and began a life in Dothan, AL. There, Ron served his community with the Dothan Police Department where he spent 24 years and retired at the rank of Captain. In addition to this, Ron and Martha raised two boys and they both were extremely dedicated parents. In addition to ball games, school plays and the like, Ron also served as Scoutmaster to Troop 27, which was widely recognized as one of the best in the Alabama-Florida Council. Having left scouting prior to achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, Ron provided many young men with the guidance and counsel needed to succeed in the real world. As a testament to the impact in which he had on the young men of the Troop, Ron’s tenure as Scoutmaster produced 18 Eagle Scouts, a monumental feat for which he was known as “Eagle Scoutmaster”. After moving to the Birmingham area to be nearer to his own parents, Ron spent a short, but successful stint as a business owner with Wildlife Outdoor Supply located on Highway 11 in downtown Springville. After being approached by the City government regarding the Police Chief position, Ron accepted the challenge of modernizing the tactics and procedures of the Springville Police department and spent 10 years working tirelessly for the citizens of Springville. Ron was preceded in death by his father N.C. Black. Ron is survived by his loving wife Martha, his two sons Lee (Ansley) and Ben (Marcy), his Mother Verna, sister Donna (Ed), grandsons Andrew and William and countless nieces, nephews, friends and dogs. His family will receive friends on Friday, October 24, 2014 from 10-12 at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel with a memorial service beginning at 12. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to: "The Children's Place" 18200 AL Highway 174 Pell City, AL 35124. This organization helps provide aid, comfort and counseling for abused and neglected children. This charity was extremely dear to Ron.