Dear Maggie and Tim
I was shocked to find this on line as I researched Aunt Edna and Uncle Blackie’s obituary date.  I wished I had know of Gary’s untimely death. Such good times growing up and then when our parents die, we don’t do a very good job keeping up with one another. Please except my sincere sympathy.
Love,
Your cousin, Becky

Gary was a dear neighbor and friend who frequently shared his childhood memories of Cleveland County, North Carolina. On one such occasion, he mentioned his mother’s maiden name, “Panther.” I instantly recalled that my ancestry family tree included a 3rd great-grandaunt, Jemima Short, in the adjacent Rutherford County, who married Benjamin Freeman Panther. 

After a few days of research, I determined that two of my 4th great-grandparents, Martin Short (c. 1803-1860) and Frances “Fannie” Crowder (1803-1872), were Gary's 3rd great-grandparents. 

For me, Gary was not only a friend and neighbor; he was also family:  my fourth cousin, 1x removed.

I worked on  Gary’s hospital board for years where we became close friends. He handled difficult situations with professional effectiveness. I miss him a lot.   Ashe Exum

Gary Black will always be in our memory and our hearts.

I always enjoyed his peppy morning greeting. He was always a gentleman. I sure do miss him.
Maggie, my heart goes out to you.
With much love,
Ann See

 

I was only 29  when Gary hired me at Lenoir to manage the Information Systems Department.  He taught me so many valuable career skills during the 9 wonderful years we lived in Kinston. I think of him often and always will. My prayers go out to Maggie and the rest of the family.  
 

Gary is one of those people that you are proud to be associated with.  He was a friend that you could always count on and his loss will leave  a void in many of us.

Gary was one of the smartest people I’ve ever known. A true and very loyal friend who was always available. I worked on his hospital board for years and cherished this opportunity.  An irreplaceable loss.             Ashe Exum, Morehead City.              

Gary was an outstanding CEO.  In a very difficult national and local health care environment, he created a sound strategy, a caring patient centered culture, and a strong financial position.  He left LMH much stronger than he found it.  We became very close friends and I deeply mourn his premature passing.

Mr. Black was a warm,kind-hearted human being. I felt his respect toward me when I would see him in the cafeteria or hall way at LMH and I always reciprocated it back.  Such a gentleman.  He will be missed.  My deepest sympathy to his family.  God Bless you.

Maggie, Reginald and I cherished our friendship with you and Gary. We hope to see you soon.

CEO/President of Lenoir Memorial Hospital the title behind your name Gary Black, but you were so much more than that. You were a kind man who knew no stranger. You spoke so genuine when you saw us even in passing. Always interested in what was going on with your staff both at work and in our personal lives. Mr. Black you always made folks feel comfortable to be around you, you made us feel important to you and you appreciated the hard work we all did. Working with you for many years and learning so much from you is something I personally will never forget. When we were good, you told us that we did a great job and when we didn't do something very well you told us that too. We never had to wonder with you. You were a great leader and a great friend to many. It was an honor and a pleasure to have worked with you for so many many years. You will be missed! Lifting prayer for your family during this difficult time! 

Gary as others have stated was more than the CEO/President during the many years he served in leadership.  His care for employees and their families by learning each employee name  is outstanding. He led with integrity and always was glad to spend a few minutes out of his busy schedule when I stopped by during my visits to NC.
Maggie and family -let your memories bring comfort during the coming months

From my sister, Peggy Din of Hugo, NC, who worked at Lenoir Memorial Hospital while Gary Black was there...Mr. Black will be missed.  I had the most respect and admiration for Mr. Black and will always remember him as a good man.

We will miss his smile, our dinners together, his advice on finances, and seeing him in the garage.  But we will never forget our shared memories … New Year’s Eve with the girls, Disney World and SeaWorld, and even him at the ‘jumpy’ place!  His smile is eternal. 

All our love, 
Doug and Sylvia

Mr. Black steered our hospital through many crises.  He will always be remembered for his town hall meetings in the auditorium when he explained to the staff the various types of mergers, partnerships, and management contracts hospitals could consider, answering questions and explaining what he and the Board believed was best for our community. He routinely rounded on all the units, usually accompanied by senior management and greeted everyone he saw with a smile or a handshake. My heart goes out to Maggie and the family. She was the love of his life, and I know she will miss him. 


Mr Black was a pleasure to work for @ Lenoir Memorial Hospital . He always had a smile on his face and spoke to everyone. He was very personal-able with all. He was same way before and after he became CEO . Missed him when he retired. Prayers for his family very hard to lose a loved one suddenly!🙏🏼🙏🏼
Sincerely Janet Overby 

Mr. Black, yes he  was the CEO of Lenoir Hospital, but he was more than that. He made himself available to all that worked at the hospital. He took time to speak or hold a conversation with all employees on a daily bases. He enjoyed his work and wanted to see the hospital go forward in every way. 

Very sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Black.  I knew him for thirty years in Kinston, and he was always extemely kind and generous with his time.  His tenure as CEO was amazingly successful and it would be hard to imagine that anyone could have done the remarkable job that Mr. Black did.   When he retired, he left the hospital in far, far better shape than what he had inherited.  He always had the community's  and hospital's interests at heart when he made decisions,  many of which were quite difficult.  

He will be missed.


Maggie,  
Remembering so many fond memories of Gary from the many years we worked together. 
Prayers for peace and comfort as you and your family reflect on a life so well lived.  
Tammy Dawson 

OBITUARY

Gary Elbridge Black

March 9, 1950 – July 28, 2022

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services