Theodore "Rick" Black, Jr.

Theodore Frederick (Rick) Black, Jr. at 70 years of age, an astounding husband, father, brother and friend passed to eternal life Sunday, September 10, 2017 on a bright sunny clear morning in Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD after being diagnosed in June 2016 with dermatomyositis, a rare inflammatory muscle disease. Rick was an organ donor but due to his disease his donation was limited to his corneas. Through the Living Legacy Foundation this gift may bring sight to someone in need.

Born in Kingwood, West Virginia on April 18, 1947 Rick was the son of the late Theodore Frederick Black, Sr. and Edna Heiskell Black. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Mrs. Irene Cannon of Granttown, West Virginia.

After obtaining a high school equivalency Rick joined the United States Army serving from 1966-68.  He completed his basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and AIT Military police training in Oakland, California.  Rick served his country in Paris, France and multiple areas of Germany. He was a member of the Ridgeley American Legion Post#136 where he was the child welfare officer up until his sickness. He was also a member of  the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 172.

Rick is survived by his wife, Kathryn Ann Black of Midland and daughter, Monica Denise Black of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina along with two brothers, Allan Roy Gates of Hedgesville, West Virginia and Leslie Robert Black of Largo, Florida.  Rick was also blessed to have a tremendous extended family of brother and sister-in-law’s and an abundance of nieces and nephews.

Rick retired from Westvaco, now Verso Corporation of Luke, MD in 2012 after 43 years of service.  He was a very hard worker and in his free time he loved tinkering in his garage mainly with his many collected treasures of old automobiles. He was most proud of his 1958 Chevrolet Convertible which was his last work in progress. He completely rebuilt it and it was just around the corner from being repainted and back on the road once again! Along with tinkering in the garage Rick enjoyed spending time in the sun in his backyard pool and on the deck. He also enjoyed working in his small garden. He was a member of the Western Maryland Street Rod Club and the Queen City Region Antique Car Club where he held the office of treasurer for many terms.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 from 6-8PM at Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home, P.A., Midland.  A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 11:00AM with Deacon Harold Bradley officiating. Family and friends will be received one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be held at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery, Flintstone. Military Rites will be accorded by Combined Honor Guard Post#13, Cumberland.