Troy Black was born on October 21st, 1926, in Randolph, Mississippi. Times were tough, as they were for so many. Hard work was part of daily life, and Troy understood, at a young age, the importance of caring for family.
Troy lived 94 years on this earth. His time with us was defined by love, kindness, strength, and wit. He was a shop owner, a pizza maker, an animal lover, and a survivor of various ailments and ordeals. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, and a surrogate “all of the above” to many. He was quiet, but funny. He liked Bonanza and old westerns and Johnny Cash.
He was a good hand holder. A good hugger. He was content to sit in his easy chair and let the world around him spin and fuss.
He deeply missed his beloved wife of 73 years, Ruby Charlene Black, who passed away two years ago. They spent their lives together and raised four children. For many years, they owned and operated a small Byhalia, Mississippi country store called T & R Grocery. They made and delivered pizza, and entertained their grandchildren in the store with arcade games and ice cream.
In their later years, Troy and Charlene both struggled with health challenges. Their daughter, Winnie, (of Memphis,) prioritized their needs, ensuring they always had hot meals, rides to doctor’s appointments, and help organizing medication regimens. Eventually, Troy and Charlene were no longer able to live on their own. Winnie welcomed her parents into her home, and, for the last three years, cared for them around the clock with absolute love. When Charlene passed, Winnie cared for Troy and made sure all of his needs were met. His days were filled with comfort and love because of her.
Troy Black was here, and a part of him will always be with us. We find comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain, and he has been reunited with Charlene.
We miss him, his ways, and his laugh. It was a good one. So was he.
Mr. Black is survived by his children, Durrell Black, Winnie and Myrl Church, Debbye and Bob Henderson, and Don Black and Stewart Strain; his grandchildren, David, Rita, and Tony Church, Trista Walker, and Lauren Henderson Starkweather and Morgan Henderson; great-grandchildren, Alesha and Jonathan Thomas, Ashley and Corey Tutor, Mallory Church, Dylan and Tye Black, Kagan and Hunter Church; great-great-grandchildren, Alia, Brittany, and Angel Thomas, and Kyleigh, Madison, and Kinsley Tutor; and his sister, Mrs. Dolores Griffin. He was welcomed into heaven by his wife, Ruby Charlene Black, his daughter-in-law, Joyce Black, his granddaughter, Gina Tutor, his parents, Egbert and Dovey Black, his siblings, and many dear friends.
