William G. Black

William Grant Black, 93, of Springfield, died at 5:54 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, 2013 at Concordia Village. William was born April 17, 1920 in Muncie, IN, the son of Joseph C. and Verna D. Grimes Black. He married Frances King Mathewson on May 15, 2000 in Cincinnati, OH. William was a 1937 graduate of Urbana High School and received his Bachelors' Degree from Greenville College. After college, William proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army infantry, serving during WWII. He achieved the rank of captain and was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. He then went on to earn a Master's Degree in History and Philosophy of Education at University of Illinois in Champaign, and his Master's Degree in Divinity from the University of Chicago. In 1973 he was named the Divinity School Alumnus of the year. William worked for the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio for over 30 years as a priest and was named Bishop in 1979. He was preceded in death by his parents; his two brothers, Joe and John Black; and his first wife, June M. Black. He is survived by his wife, Frances Mathewson Black of Springfield; two sons, Gregory Wilson Black of Danville, IN and David Scott Black of Madison, WI; one daughter, Jan Black Mortensen of Aurora; six grandchildren, Aimee, Summer, Renee, Tiffany, Stephanie, and Dan; and four great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Katja, Isaac, and Asher. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Private family interment will be held at a later date. The family will host a celebration of life at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2013 in the Concordia Village chapel located at 4101 W. Iles in Springfield, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to: Greenville College, 315 E. College Avenue, Greenville, IL 62246 or The Church of the Good Shepherd/Outreach Program, 64 University Terrace, Athens, OH 45701.