John Benjamin Black, Jr.

John Benjamin Black Jr was born on January 9, 1954, in Weirton West Virginia, to the late Mr. John Black Sr and Mrs. Dorothy Lee Black. He was one of six children and was preceded in death by both parents, several of his siblings and his son John Odell Black.

After the loss of his father in 1961, John’s family moved to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania where he grew up living in both the Hill District and Hazelwood. John attended catholic school from grade school through high school, graduating from Bishop Boyle High School in 1972, John pursued his education and passion for football at Sterling College in Kansas on a football scholarship. Reflecting on his first year in college, he would often joke about going from being a “big fish in a little pond” to a “little fish in a big pond” After one year at Sterling college he transferred to North- East Missouri State before deciding to join the US Air Force in 1974.

While in the Air Force, John met and later married Dorothy Ann Foulkes with whom he had two children, Christina Ra and John Odell. The family settled in Washington DC where they purchased their first home. Although his union ended in 1981, John’s life continued to evolve and he later welcomed another son, John Evans Black with Bertina Melchor.

John’s career path was as remarkable as his life. He held many diverse roles, including positions with the US Postal Service, The FBI, and The Metropolitan Police Department. He also worked for a while as an Electrical Power Production Specialist at Andrews Air Force Base.

His final and perhaps most rewarding job was as a civilian contractor for the US Navy where he made lifelong friends. His job allowed him to travel the world on various assignments including a six-month stint in Hawaii which he frequently recalled as one of his best life experiences. After decades of working with the navy and receiving numerous awards for his dedication, John retired from the US Navy in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and achievement.

The year before he retired, John met and later married his beloved wife Bridget Elaine Thompson and relocated from Washington DC to Georgia to begin a new chapter in his life. Sadly after a brief illness, John unexpectedly passed away on November 28,2024 at his home in Grayson Georgia. A devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather and friend, John will be remembered for his warmth, sense of humor and passion for football especially his unwavering devotion to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

John leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Bridget Elaine Black, daughter Christina (Edison) Lee of Jackson Tennessee, son John Evans (Nijah) Black of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Stepson Kevin Thompson of Shreveport Louisiana, Stepdaughters Kara and Kaye Thompson of Washington DC, grandson Sadarius Lee Of Jackson Tennessee, granddaughters Jasmine Lee of Jackson Tennessee and Leah Black of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, granddaughter Alyvia Lee of Jackson Tennessee as well as a host of nieces, nephews cousins and friends.

A visitation for John will be held Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Advantage Funeral Home And Cremation Services, 500 Harbins Road, Lilburn, GA 30047, followed by a celebration of life service from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.