Charles Edward Black Sr.

Born November 9, 1941, in Steubenville, Ohio, Charles joined the US Army at the age of 17. He served as a Drill Sergeant and Military Police Officer, retiring and attaining the status of Decorated Veteran after years of service to his country. While in the US Army and stationed in South Korea, he met and married the love of his life, Kim Okcha. Charles was given a new job working in a Gold Mine, and so on Thanksgiving Day, 1966, Charles and Kim arrived in the sleepy town of Manley Hot Springs, Alaska. So began their Black family legacy. In 1967, they moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, where he became a member of the Teamsters, retiring in 1984. He loved Alaska and its pristine wilderness and space.

In 1984, Charles and Kim moved to Tennessee. They both lived there until their passing in 2023 (Kim) and 2024 (Charles).

Charles was a man who always put his family first. He cared deeply for their well-being, and he and Kim raised a daughter and 3 sons.

Charles was a man with many interests, including hunting, reading, long walks, and drives and increasing his knowledge in many areas. His favorite motto that he passed on to his family was: “Stay young and stay happy” and “Keep that downstream focus.“

Charles is survived by his children: Kim Phillips (Gary), Charles Black Jr. (Becky), Michael Black (Angie), and John Black. And by his grandchildren: Bryan Baker (Jennifer), Karrah Hearns, Meigan Fautanu (Fam), Stephan Black (Lidia), Kyle Baker (Amanda), Corey Bigelow, Stanton O’Guin, Jordan Haislip (Eric), Carson Black (Ashli), Macy Black (Jorel), Ian Black (Shay) and Greyson Black as well as 15 Great-grandchildren.

Charles will be dearly missed and loved forever. Keep laughing and having fun in the future life that you are moving on to. The love that you and Kim started is a family legacy that continues to grow around the world.