John William Black

John was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Norman McKinley Black, Jr., Frances Blanton Delaney, and James Thomas Black. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lynn Dixon Fifield Black; his children, Melissa “Missy” Black Akin and her husband, Bobby, and John William Black, Jr. and his wife, Betsy; his grandchildren, Lewis Harrison Akin, Briggs McKinley Akin, and Graysen Tyler Black; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

When John and Lynn married, Lynn’s father had recently passed away, and John embraced an important role in the lives of her younger siblings, Rich, Barry, and Guion. He became a steady source of support to them and to his mother-in-law, Helen. In 1978, John celebrated Helen’s marriage to Harrell Pope, which brought Ann, Albert, Jon, and Charlotte into the family. He warmly welcomed his expanded family and valued the bonds that grew over the years.

John attended Myers Park High School, where he was a three-sport letterman and played quarterback for legendary Coach Gus Purcell. He went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and The Gorgon’s Head Lodge. He later graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. The friendships John formed during those years were deeply important to him and endured throughout his life. John enjoyed a long and successful career in textile sales, taking the family to New York, Dallas and Atlanta before returning to Greensboro. After retiring from Avondale Mills and began a second career in commercial real estate with Brown Investment Properties. He was a past president of Greensboro Country Club and a longtime member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, where he faithfully served as an usher and belonged to the Men’s Club.

An avid golfer and outdoorsman, John especially loved golf, but he also enjoyed fishing, bird hunting, and spending time outdoors. A lifelong Tar Heel, he supported Carolina through every season and was a member of the Rams Club for more than 60 years. John loved to travel, enjoyed a good story, and was particularly gifted at telling one. An impeccable dresser with a distinctive sense of style, he will be remembered for his sense of humor, larger-than-life personality, and, of course, his famous “Black Martini.” He treasured the friendships he formed throughout his life, including those with his golf group, the G.I.R.L.S. walking group, and dear friends near and far.

One of John’s greatest joys was spending time with his family, especially his grandsons. He took tremendous pride in each of them and loved following their academic, athletic, and career pursuits. He was always eager to hear what was happening in their lives, cheer them on, and celebrate their milestones.

Above all, John will be remembered for the life he shared with Lynn, the family he loved deeply, the relationships he nurtured, and the stories, memories, and traditions that will live on in all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to John’s caregivers at Well-Spring and AuthoraCare Collective for the kindness, compassion, and care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 607 N. Greene Street, Greensboro, NC 27401, or to First Tee — Triad at www.firstteetriad.org.