James "Bob" Robert Black

James Robert “Bob” Black passed away peacefully on September 17, 2019 at Maple Ridge Nursing Home in Cartersville, GA. Bob was born February 2, 1935 to Marion Paul and Clyde Ellen Black in Colbert, GA. He attended Northside High School in Atlanta. Bob was chosen one of the top 10 athletes in his high school. He received a football scholarship to Auburn University. Bob was an avid golfer and enjoyed all sports.

After college, Bob served four years in the United States Coast Guard. He retired after 31 years with Atlantic Steel Company in Atlanta and Cartersville. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Ellijay, of which he and Shirley were founding members. They also helped establish Savior of All Lutheran Church in Cartersville. He was a member of the Leroy Duncan Lodge, Sons of the American Revolution and Cartersville Retired Men’s Club. In 1972, he and Shirley started square dancing lessons and danced all around the United States for about 30 years making lifelong friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Betty Crosby, and brother-in-law, James Hampton.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley Lewallyn Black, formerly of Dalton, daughter, Staci Black Kelley, grandson, James Zachary Kelley (Samantha), sisters; Pauline Hampton, and Nancy Jeffares (Edward), and brother-in-law, Leroy Crosby. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

He will be remembered as a man who loved his God, family, and friends. The family wants to thank Dr. Bevill, Dr. Prempeh, as well as the nursing staff at Maple Ridge for their loving care and support at such a difficult time.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted Saturday, October 19, 2019 at two o’clock in the afternoon in the Chapel of Owen Funeral Home with the Rev. David E. Smedley, Jr. officiating and music by Gunther Rankenburg.

The family will receive friends at Owen Funeral Home, Saturday, October 19, 2019 from one o’clock in the afternoon until the service hour and for one hour following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shepherd Spinal Center, 2020 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta, GA 30309-9965

Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville is honored to serve the family in this difficult time.