Alfred Black

Alfred Black departed this life, Monday, August 6, 2018 at his home in Mobile, Alabama, surrounded by his beloved wife of 52 years, Shirley Ballard Black, his oldest son and wife, Gerald and Catherine McIlwain Black, his youngest son, Jason Black and granddaughters Lauren Black and Alli Black, family friends Molly Reynolds and Mary Kniffen.
He was born in Bratt, Florida, to Mary Gussie Jones of Mobile March 2, 1940. "Al' spent six years serving his country in the United States Army from 1962 to 1968. While stationed in Germany he served his country as a Med Tech/Med Lab Specialist. He was decorated as a Sharpshooter specializing with a M-14 Rifle. He receieved his training in Med Lab Procedures from the USA Med TNG Can, at Ft. Sam Houston, Tx. Upon completion of his service he returned to Mobile and married Shirley Ballard.
Al worked as a Lab Tech from 1968 in a variety of local hospitals from Mobile, Alabama to Waynesboror, MS, Jackson, AL, Quitman and Newton, MS, and closed his career out in Grove Hill, Alabama in 2001, when he first became ill. He has battled with renal failure for over 17 years. During this time he was surrounded by his family and his wife and care giver, Shirley.
He is survived by his wife Shirley, three sons, Gerald Ray Black of Mobile (Catherine McIlwain) of Batesville, MS, Cory Black of Murfreesboro, TN, and Jason Black of Mobile; grandsons Paul McIlwain of Tibbie, AL, Blake Black of Decatur, IL, Brian Rust of Grand Praire, TX; granddaughters, Lauren and Scarlet Black of Mobile, Alli Black of Batesville, MS and Tammy Lynn Black of Kentucky; and great granddaughters Reighlyn Marie McIlwain of Millry, AL and Alithia Marie Black of Decatur, IL.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Gussie Jones, brother Charles Black, and daughter-in-law Tracy Black.
"Al" will be most remembered for his love of all things Alabama. On any given day you could find him at his home looking for an Alabama sport of some kind to pass the time. He loved to say Roll Tide and could tell you anything you wanted to know about the team and its history. In his lifetime he amassed a closet ot Alabama T-shirts and a wall of hats that showed how much he loved the University and how well it represented Alabama. Many family get togethers involved Alabama Football and any other sport that Alabama participated in.
A graveside service will be held Monday, August 13, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. where he will be laid to rest at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, Alabama. Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects at the graveside. Memorials or tributes can be made to the National Kidney Foundation in his memory.
Condolences may be offered at www.mobilefuneralservice.com. Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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