Connell Black

Connell Black, age 85, passed away Friday, July 1, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents Gonzo and Leddie (Hawkins) Black. Of his siblings, he was preceded in death by his sister, Myrtle (Black) Clark; and brothers Charles Black and Herman Bowles. He will be lovingly missed by his brother, Leyvester Lee Black.

Connell Black was born February 19, 1937 in Hartsville, South Carolina. The family lived in Brooklyn, New York during his formative years. An accomplished high school athlete, being a good baseball player and an all-city basketball player, he later joined the United States Marine Corp and was later transitioned to the United States Air Force. In 1962, he married Ellen Hawks (now deceased). After nearly eight years of total military service, he was honorably discharged from the 781st Radar Squadron in 1965. He later went on to work for International Business Machines (IBM), being one of the first black employees in the Grand Rapids branch office, serving as a customer service engineer. After leaving IBM, he held various positions until he settled in at Cardinal Health, being a nuclear medical transport technician.

His involvement in sports was deep and wide, coaching baseball and volleyball (men’s and women's), and helping many athletes to obtain higher levels of success from little league to high school and collegiate levels.

He is survived by four of his children (two have passed); five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Services will be held 9 a.m. Monday, July 11, 2022 at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 5501 Dickman Rd., Augusta, MI 49012. Afterwards, we are inviting family/friends to Old China Super Buffet at 2580 Capital Ave. SW Battle Creek, Michigan 49015 (this will be a pay for yourself event).

In honor of Connell Black and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to his family via his son, Connell A. Black, to offset the costs.

Paypal - @connellblack

CashApp - $CaBlack2022

Venmo - @Connell-black