Willie James Black, Sr., of Big Lake, Texas, was ushered into Heaven to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 4:11 AM. He was born on October 31, 1946 in Taylor, Texas, to Frazier Black and Berdine White. Willie attended Reagan County High School and graduated in 1965. He later served in the U.S. Army, and fought valiantly in the Vietnam War. For his dedicated service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Marksman Medal, and the Purple Heart. He then began his career in the oil industry, working for Tom Hanson, CRC, Wedge Wireline, and ultimately for Baker-Atlas-Hughes as Regional Sales Manager. Willie married Dora Lopez on April 11, 1978, and they had three children. He was a faithful deacon and Bible teacher of Bethlehem Baptist Church, had a passion for serving the Lord, and will always be remembered for his love of people, compassion, generosity, and faithful walk with God.
Willie was married to Dora for 37 years, until her passing on June 18, 2015. After her passing, he was blessed to be able to find a new partner in Carolyn Goodloe with whom he shared his latter years. They married on September 9, 2017, and were married for almost 8 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Eula Faye Black, Frazier Black, Larry Black, Diann Black, Dennis Ray Black and David Lee Black, Willie Ray Powell, and Georgia Patricia Moten. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Goodloe Black; siblings Johnny Ray Black, Ernest Lee Black, Sr., Marie Parker, Pastor Jay Powell, Racheal Marie Fuller, Mary Anne Aikins, Dovey Suzette Urdy, Bertha Jean Aikins; three children, including eldest son Dr. Willie James Black, Jr., and his wife, Lisandra Black, middle son Cleon Black, and his wife Monica Diaz Black, and daughter Lisa Marie Black; two grandchildren, 2nd LT Willie James “Tre” Black, III, and Taina Nicole Black; stepsons Michael Goodloe and Bryan Goodloe; and a host of nieces and nephews, family members, and many close friends.
A Visitation for Willie will be held Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Big Lake. A Homegoing Service will occur Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Big Lake, with interment to follow at Glen Rest Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are Cody Black, Joshua Black, John David Black, Markus Black, Michael Sean Powell, and Isaac Delacruz.
Honorary pallbearers are Sammy Dodd, Kevin “Budda” Gatewood, Rob Schuetz, Rayshawn Black, and Julian Black.
