Mr. Raphael O'Hara Black, 86, passed away at Forsyth Medical Center on March 20, 2014.  He was born on July 14, 1927.  His parents were George Black, Jr. and Evelyn and John Bruce.

Raphael was a graduate of Atkins High School and Johnson C. Smith University, Class of 1950.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in World War II in the United States and Japan.  His employment began as a fireman with the city of W-S, and his love and respect for the department continued throughout his life.  One of the first eight African American firemen for the city of W-S, he is included in the much publicized video "Engine Four", the first fire station to be integrated in NC. After retiring as District Chief in 1985, he worked as a substitute teacher in the WSFC School System. He also volunteered in his community as a tutor, mentor and role model for many youth.

A lifetime member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Raphael held local, district and conference offices.  Additionally, he held membership on several community boards, including: the Bethlehem Community Center, The Society for the Study of Afro-American History, the WSFC Office of Emergency Management Advisory Council, and the W-S Firemen's Retirement Board.  He was a sixty-year member of the Psi Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Raphael will always be remembered for his love of God, his love of family, and his zeal for life.  He lived out the biblical command, "To whom much is given, of him much is required".  He loved the church and was inspired by the life and works of John Wesley.   He appreciated all music.  He sang with the St. Paul Chancel Choir, the Men's Choir, played with the hand bell group, subscribed to the W-S Symphony and attended musical performances throughout the state as his schedule permitted.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter, Melia Black; paternal grandparents, George and Martha Black of W-S; and maternal grandparents, Fred and Carrie Jones of Greensboro.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn of the home; his stepson, Jerry Pullen and wife, Erin, of Shawnee, KS; grandchildren, Taylor, Sydney, and Justin; first cousins, Evelyn (Fred) Terry, Dolores McGee, and Carolyn Southall of the city; one step-sister, Janice Bruce Horton of Hillside, NJ; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Betty (James) Gibbs of Durham, NC, Gloria (Lee) Monroe of Wilmington, NC, Fred (Joretta) Wright of Downingtown, PA, and Edwin (Pamela) Wright of Lumberton, NC; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Monday, March 24, 2014 at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Rev. Donald Jenkins officiating. The family visitation will be held from 7pm until 8pm on Sunday at the Church and an additional visitation will be held from 11am until 12noon on Monday at the Church. The Omega Service of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will be held 6:30pm on Sunday evening at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arbor Acres United Methodist Retirement Community, 1240 Arbor Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104; the St. Paul United Methodist Church Mission Fund, 2400 Dellabrook Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 or Second Harvest Food Bank, 3655 Reed Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27107.

We, the family of Raphael Black, would like to extend our appreciation to our many friends for all acts of kindness shown through your expressions of love, prayers, and phone calls.  A special thank you goes to the chaplains at Arbor Acres for nurturing our spiritual growth and to the nursing staff for supporting our physical needs; the Psi Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; and the pastor and members of St. Paul United Methodist Church. May God bless and keep you forever sheltered in His loving and tender care.