William J. Black

Willam Jay (Bill) Black peacefully entered into eternity holding hands with his loving wife of 69 years and his first-born daughter.

Born in Indianapolis to Paul and Ethel Black, Bill was the youngest of three boys and was preceded into glory by his parents and brothers, Chuck and Pete.

Bill grew up a hard-working young man who excelled in sports, claiming several records at Warren Central High in football, pole vaulting, and track and field. Bill met his sweetheart, Patricia Ann Lucas at Warren Central and they married while at college at Ball State University. There, Bill continued his athletic excellence as a top college gymnast and pole vaulter.

Upon his college graduation, he was commissioned into the US Air Force and traveled the world, faithfully serving 25 years as an EOD Munitions Officer. At every assignment, Bill and Patty made their house a loving home for themselves and their daughters.

After joining the Air Force, Bill took up golf which quickly became his favorite past time, winning many awards including five holes-in-one. Bill loved helping others. He was truly a Jack of all trades. He always had a boat or car he was fixing.

Bill was a terrific girl dad, down to his best dog Shotz. He gave the best advice and would preform back flips in the yard for the amusement of his girls.

Along with his loving and devoted wife, Patricia, Bill leaves his three favorite daughters, Julee Grace (Rich), Laurie Knight (Jeff) and Michele Husfelt (Mike); ten fabulous grandchildren, Lucas, Elijah, Daniel, Emilie (Michael), Lydia (Zac), Rebekah, Mallory (Drew), Britain (Malone), Charlotte (Nathaniel), and Madeline; six precious great-grands, Courtland, Jonah, Charlotte, Hannah, Elizabeth and Rhett; and many nieces and nephews. 

Just last month, Bill thoroughly enjoyed his 90th birthday celebration of life together with the majority of his family. Much love and laughter were shared along with memories of a life well-lived.

We who are left behind grieve our loss, but not like those who have no hope.  We put our hope in Jesus and look forward to a great reunion with our husband, dad, grandfather, uncle and friend.

Bill’s family would like to thank the nurses and caregivers at Emerald Coast Hospice for their compassionate and loving care.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 10 AM at McLaughlin Twin Cities, 1405 E. John Sims Pkwy, Niceville, Florida, 32578

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