John (Johnny) Leslie Black, February 8, 1932 – May 12, 2021. John lived in Memphis, TN for 89 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Violet Jean Jennings Black, son Thomas Lynn Black, parents W. P. Black and Ruby Holland Black, brothers Alvin Black, Bill Black, Louis Black and sisters Joyce Phillips and Anita Green. Survivors include a daughter Marilyn Black King, grandchildren Leslie Jean Parrish (Cory), Lee Michele Ramirez (Manuel), Jessica DeFilippo, and great grandchildren Cort Ellis King, Imojean Elaine Parrish, Maple Jane Parrish, siblings Kenneth Black, Mary Ann Kennedy, Carolyn Allen, Linda Black and many nieces and nephews. After the death of his father, John quit Humes High School and went to work to help support his mother and younger siblings.
He worked at Taystee Bread, National Trust Life and later he was a Sales Rep. for Consolidated Freightways until retirement.
He was an accomplished musician playing the guitar and upright bass like his late brother Bill Black, the upright bass player for Elvis Presley in the early years.
He played music with Johnny Burnette and the Rock ‘n Roll Trio, Jack Earls and the Jimbos, James Cannon and many other local musicians in the 1950’s. He, along with Rocky Burnette and Paul Burlison, went to Europe in 1981 to perform many Rockabilly Hits for their fans.
He enjoyed fishing, playing golf, watching U of M Tiger Football, Saint Louis Cardinals’ Baseball and listening to music. John was a member of Bartlett Baptist Church for 50 years.
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Family Funeral Care located at 4925 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN. 38122. Visitation will be at 9:00 am followed by a service at 10:00am. Burial will be at Big Creek Cemetery.
