James Edward Black

The family will greet visitors Friday, August 23, 2019, from 6 until 7 p.m., at Kilgore-Green Funeral Home. Service will follow at 7 p.m., in the Kilgore-Green Chapel. A private burial will be held Saturday, August 24, 2019, at Walker Memory Gardens.

A WWII Veteran, Mr. Black served as an Army PFC from 1943-1946. He traveled to Africa, France, and Germany. He once said, "l was lucky. By the time I got to most places, the fighting had ended." Upon his discharge, he was awarded the American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars. He retired from Alabama Power Company, Gorgas Steam Plant, with 33 years service. Most of that time, he worked as a Switch House Operator. In his retirement years, he enjoyed reminiscing with his fellow retirees and the Energizer luncheons. Mr. Black had a passion for the outdoors, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He has held a world record in crappie fishing and an Alabama record in hunting. He lost his Alabama Whitetail Deer record the following year to his son, Dennis, who lost the next year to his grandson, Seth. For many years, the local fishing community knew that the best hand tied fishing jigs could be bought form Mr. Black. His love of gardening, which he did up until the time of his recent illness, was passed on to his granddaughters, who in turn shared his knowledge with others. He was a strong patriarch of his family, a friend to all, and a helper to many.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ofell Kennedy Black; his parents; 14 brothers and 2 sisters.

He is survived by his sons, Dennis Black (Diane), Kenneth Black (Terry); 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and many close friends.