Robert George Black Jr.'s Obituary
Robert George Black Jr, age 74, was welcomed into his heavenly home on July 10, 2022, leaving behind his children, Valerie (Jason) Clapero, Lisa (Joseph) Bolton, and Robb (Mona) Black. He was preceded in death by his daughter Rachel Ann (Black) Kreig and son Stephen Anthony Black.
Bob was born to Robert George Black Sr. and Dorothy (Liston) Black on December 16, 1947 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the eldest of three boys. The family eventually relocated to California and Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served on the Titan II Missile Combat Crew in Tucson, Arizona. It was during his time with the Air Force and through the faithful evangelism of Campus Crusade that he began his relationship with the Lord. While stationed in Tucson, he met his wife, Joyce Elaine (Abbott) Black and they were married on May 19, 1972. Bob attended the University of Arizona where he obtained a Bachelor of Science and later a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, a profession that was a passion up until his retirement in 2013. Bob faced many challenges throughout his life, particularly during his later years, he sought to restore much of what had been broken. Bob yearned for connection and belonging. His church communities, Bethel Baptist Church and Continental Baptist Church, and the friends that he found there were an encouragement to his soul.
Bob was a fierce advocate for those that he loved and would often remind his grandchildren, “Don’t ever forget that I love you!” He was a man of many interests and he enjoyed many pursuits (often at the same time), including: good old music, coin collecting, RC airplanes, Ham Radios, puzzling over an engineering problem, fishing, politics, investment strategies and woodworking. These were passions that he loved to share with others. He loved each of his grandchildren Bethany, Sabrina and Aaron Clapero as well as Elliot, Jesse , Danielle, and Janna Bolton, and the time that he spent with them brought sheer delight, bringing out the kid in him. He said that he had no greater joy than to know his children walk in truth and that joy was multiplied when he saw his grandchildren embracing a life of faith. He would often end his letters to them by reminding them to “Work Hard. Do Your Best. And Never Give Up!” He lived out that motto. He did work hard to provide for his family! He did his best, with the tools that he had but often felt that his efforts were grossly inadequate. And he never gave up as he navigated challenging circumstances throughout his life. He lived his life striving after the truth of Colossians 3:23-24, a verse that he would commonly share with others: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Our Dad, Grampie, and friend has arrived home where He is receiving his heavenly inheritance.
A private graveside service with military honors will be for family members only. A memorial service will be held on July 24, 2022 at 3 pm at Continental Baptist Church at Coyote Trail Elementary School. In lieu of flowers, please honor his legacy through a gift to either the Missions Fund at Continental Baptist Church (P.O. Box 1362, Cortaro, Arizona 85652) or Guiding Eyes for the Blind (www.guidingeyes.org).
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