Raymond A. Black

Raymond Armistead "Pete" Black, 91, passed away peacefully at his Middletown home on Thursday, January 12th. In his final days he was surrounded in love by his family. He spent the last 63 years with his beautiful wife, Ella Mae (McQueen). He is survived by his children, Jeff Black and his wife Lora of Vonore, Tennessee and Pam Black and her partner, Chris Minke of Germantown. He adored his many grandchildren and great grandchildren; Julie Rohs with her husband, Curtis and children, Logan, Lauren, Tyler and Jaiden, Angie Eby with her husband, Andy and children, Sarah, Emily, Zachary and Bailey, Jill Cusick with her husband, Mike and son, Micah, Amy Jessee with her husband, Chris and children, Addison, Alden, Alex and Asher, Laura Swope with her husband, Andy and son, Avery, Tommy Hancock with his wife, Sarah and children, Austin, Virginia and Sadie, Matt Black with his wife, Somer and children, Adalae, John and Leia, and Jade Garren. Pete was a veteran of the US Navy having served in World War II. He was also a member of the All American Choir. He was a brave and loyal serviceman, a loving and devoted husband, strong and supportive father, and the most Christ-like and doting grandfather to walk the earth. Pete loved the outdoors and working with his hands. He spent morning till night in his garden, landscaping his lawn, fishing, walking the woods, building his dream home, and serving others. But Pete would say that he never worked a day in his life because he always enjoyed it. He and Ella Mae would often call all of this hard work "playing." But above all of that were God and his family. Every time you walked through his door you could count on a "Howdy Do" and a smile that would light up the darkest of rooms. He was always well-kept with perfectly groomed hair and he had a scent that stayed behind after his warm hugs. He was a very passionate singer and loved jazz and big band music, often performing in local dinner clubs where he was surrounded by the best of friends. He could also always be found serenading his bride. She was never surprised when he knew the name of every song he heard. Pete calmed the cries of all of his babies with a rocking chair and a song, but at the sight of watery eyes on those listening, he was quick to give a "that's enough now". Pete was and always will be adored and admired by anyone whose life he touched. His grandchildren know he will be waiting for them to tell them he loves them "a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck" and Ella Mae can look forward to the day that she will hold his hand as he sings "when your old wedding ring was new, and each dream that I dreamed came true, I remember with pride how we stood side by side, what a beautiful picture you made as my bride." Side by side they have always been and will be once again. Services for family will be held Monday at Ivey Funeral Home at Rose Hill Burial Park in Hamilton. We would like to send special thanks to the Dayton VA Medical Center and to Hospice of Miami Valley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made there.