William Randal Black Jr.

William R. (Bill) Black, Jr. was born in Odessa, TX on April 18, 1936 to William R. Black, Sr. & Wilma Fincher Black and passed from this life early morning of August 20, 2025 at 89 years of age.

During WWII, Bill spent time in San Diego, CA where Bill, Sr. had taken his family so that he could work at building warships for the U.S. Navy. After the war, Bill was raised in and around oil towns where his father worked. One of those towns is Iraan, TX where his paternal grandfather was Justice of the Peace. Bill was very proud to call Iraan “home”. Another place where he was proud to have lived was Strawn, TX where his maternal grandfather was a butcher for many years. His family roots run deep in Strawn.

In 1954, while living in Iraan, Bill met his future life-long-love, Treva Hutchins, of nearby McCamey. They began dating and continued long distance correspondence when Treva moved to CA. One year after meeting, on August 26, 1955, they married at the home of Bill’s parents in Fort Worth with his great friend, Ira Pasley as his Best Man. Treva’s sister, Ann Hutchins, served as Maid of Honor. Bill often called Treva his Special Angel. At Bill & Treva’s 50th anniversary celebration, they renewed their wedding vows with the original wedding party. Weeks after celebrating their 60th anniversary, Treva departed this life for her new home. Just prior to her passing, Treva was holding a photo of their first date when she pointed to the photo and said to Bill, “I loved you then…”

Bill was in the National Guard for a couple of years after marriage and was proud to do what was asked of him while serving. Working to support his family was of great importance to Bill. He was talented in many areas, including sales. Early in their marriage, Bill & Treva moved to New Mexico where he worked in the oil field. When they moved back to Fort Worth, he served as an electrical technician for Bell Helicopter, wiring choppers that would later be used in Vietnam. He worked for American Airlines for almost two decades. He also volunteered as a youth minister and church song director for various Churches of Christ in the Fort Worth area. Eventually, Bill was a part-time paid Youth Minister while working a full-time job in sales.

Baptized in the Pecos River at 16, Bill was devoted to his Creator and Savior above all else. He raised his family in service to Christ. He loved to sing old gospel songs and hymns with a mix of newer worship songs. He loved everyone and never met a stranger; Bill seemed to know everyone, including the entire staff and most of the patients and residents of Legend Oaks Healthcare and Rehabilitation, where he lived the last 17 months of his life. He would send a kind note to the food service staff with almost every meal that he received while at Legend Oaks.

For more than 50 years, health and fitness were a part of Bill’s daily activities. He ran several miles nearly every day and would regularly work out at a gym. As a member of USA Track & Field, he competed in many races in TX and other states, including Hawaii, and was awarded over 30 medals, including some first place. These activities continued into his 80s.When asked about his medals, Bill would quip, “At my age, all I have to do is show up.”

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his Special Angel, and his sister, Mary Wasner. He is survived by son Randal Black, daughter Tracie Stone (David) son William “Bo” Black, son Lonny Joe Black, sister Carol Wilds (CJ), sister Virginia Berger (Mark), brother-in-law Hans Wasner (Pamela), life-long friend Ira Pasley, 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 11:00 am at Heritage Church of Christ 4201 Heritage Trace Pkwy, Fort Worth, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Body and Soul Ministries. Please mail check to Legacy Church Of Christ, 8801 Mid Cities Blvd, North Richland Hills, Tx 76182. reference Bands and Bill Black.