Earl Wayne Black

Wayne was born on June 26, 1938, to the late Criss and Camilla McEntire Black. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Kay Black and Charles Black, and his sisters, Bobbie Hollingshed, Johnnie Cline, Muriel Hollingshed, and Grace Epps.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Barbara Hardin Black, whom he married on September 30, 1966; his brother, Kent Black; and several nieces and nephews.

Wayne was a longtime member and multi-term deacon of Tabernacle Baptist Church, where he served faithfully and helped establish the Meals on Wheels program. He retired from both the United States Postal Service and the Bartow County Water Department. Wayne also proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, beginning at 1:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Wayne’s Life at 3:00 p.m. at Owen Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Tyler Lewis, Braden McMicken, Darrell McMicken, Hunter Southern, Trevor Collins, and Stephen Moore will serve as pallbearers.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of Manor Lake Memory Care, Trinity Hospice, T and T Home Care, and Debbie Smith for their exceptional care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Building Fund at Tabernacle Baptist Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association in Wayne’s honor.