John Black

John "Frank" Black, 94, died Tuesday, February 13, 2012 at Kings Mountain Hospice House. He was a life-long resident of Cleveland County, born October 2, 1917. He was the son of Robert C. and Beuna P. Black. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, an infant son, Samuel Black, two brothers, Walter and Cullen Black, a sister Betty Randall, and his beloved wife of 68 years, Lucille Burch Black, and an infant grandson and an infant great-granddaughter. Mr. Black was the oldest living member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church where he was a member of the McCurry Sunday School Class and a former deacon. For many years he enjoyed pitching for the church softball team and was an avid bowler. Frank loved his church, family, alnd friends. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all. For over forty years he owned Black's Gulf Service Station in downtown Shelby, where he served many Cleveland County residents with a friendly greeting and a smile. He is survived by two sons and their spouses, Don Black and Bev, of Matthews, NC, John and Ellie Black of Shelby, NC, and a daughter and son-in-law Sylvia and Roger Hawkins of Shelby, NC. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and their spouses, Kevin and Kriss Hawkins of Charlotte, Kelly and Gary Spangler of Shelby, Shannon and Heather Black of Shelby, Eric and Jennifer Black of McLeansville. Also surviving are 7 great grandchildren, Katelyn and Kamryn Spangler, Jackson and Ryan Hawkins, Taylor and Emma Black and Lane Black. The family would like to express their thanks to the caring doctors and nurses at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. A special thanks to Dr. Patel, Dr. Calabria, Dr. Eusebio and his PA, Ms. Elliott, Dr. Potts and the staff at Kings Mountain Hospice House for the wonderfull care he received. Celebration of Life Service will be conducted by Rev. Jimmy Black, Rev. Phil Hughes, and Dr. Paul Sorrells. Memorials may be made to Beaver Dam Baptist Church, Mem on Missions or to the Bus Fund, 123 Beaver Dam Church Road, Shelby, NC 28152, or Kings Mountain Hospice House, 321 Kings Mountain Blvd., Kings Mountain, NC 28086.