Willis and Ada Black welcomed a son, Willis, Jr. into the world on March 27, 1933. From an early age they knew Willis, Jr. would have a positive impact on everything he was involved in. Eventually Willis' influence on his church, family, and community would earn him the title of "Mayor of Shalimar" - which he wore with pride. Willis, Jr. departed this life peacefully after an extended illness On August 30, 2010.
Willis embraced the role of family patriarch. He truly loved his family, often teasing about being the only man in the house surrounded by women. He leaves to cherish his memory Gloria Small Black, his wife of 43 years, daughters Patrice Black Mitchell of Asheville, Lisa Black Thomas (Franklin) of Savannah, Georgia, and Sonya Black Weaks (Sonny) of Winston-Salem and granddaughters: Ryanne Mitchell, Lexus Byers, and Layla Weaks. His sister Delores McGee of Winston-Salem, cousins Ralphael Black (Carolyn) and Evelyn Terry (Fred), nieces Gayle Bullock and Pamela Towler, nephew Michael Bullock, numerous other cousins, family, and friends also cherish his kind and generous spirit.
Willis spent his life in Winston-Salem where he attended Atkins High School, graduated from Carver High School, and attended NC A&T. He was very proud of his service in the U.S. Army. Willis, Jr. was also an apprentice under his famous grandfather George "Papa" Black. He worked on the brickyard and assisted Papa with making and selling his world famous bricks. As an adult, Willis, Jr. became the teacher-- sharing his life stories and lessons during his breakfast sessions. He spent many hours in conversation about topics from politics to religion with his friends at the McDonald's restaurant located on M.L. King, Jr. Drive.
After a career with the Sears Roebuck & Company Willis, Jr. started P.L.S. Electric named for his daughters. He mentored aspiring electricians and assisted them in obtaining their license, negotiating contracts, and managing their businesses. He also gave back to the community. His volunteer work included delivering Meals on Wheels and driving the bus for WSSU's Summer Youth Program. His love for his church was demonstrated in the leadership he gave throughout his 34 years of membership at Emmanuel Baptist Church. He chaired the Trustee Board for 28 years, served on the Laymen League, and co-chaired the Building Committee.
Funeral services will be held at 11am Friday, September 3, 2010 at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. The family visitation will be held from 6pm until 7pm on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at Emmanuel Baptist Church.
The family thanks Emmanuel Baptist Church, Hospice of W-S, Dr. Kathryn Morgan and Jean Small and staff at the Williams Adult Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1075 Shalimar Drive, W-S 27107 or Hospice Palliative Care of W-S, 101 Hospice Lane, W-S, NC 27103.