Joe was a man of utmost integrity and was devoted to God, his family, and his friends. His greatest pleasure came from helping others.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Smith Black, of 72 years; his daughter, C. Jeanine Black, Robertsdale, Alabama; his son, Randall Joseph Black (Elizabeth), Providence, Rhode Island; grandchildren, Francesca Port (Justin) and Christopher Black; great grandsons, Ari and Christopher Port; nieces, Ellen Dinwiddie (Jerry) and Teresa Gould (Robert); nephews, Gene Black (Tammy) and Mitchell Smith (Rebie); and extended family.
Joe served in the U.S. Maritime Service and the United States Army. After WWII Joe was part of the occupational forces in Europe. Following his time in the military, Joe continued his service-oriented career path in the field of education. He returned to his former hometown as principal of Camden Elementary School.
In 1954 Joe accepted a position with the Social Security Administration, becoming District Manager of the District 4 Office in Pensacola where he worked for 26 years until his retirement in June of 1996, having devoted 42 years to the SSA’s mission of helping people in need.
Joe gave a lifetime of service and support to several Christian organizations including Civitan International where he served as President and also Candy Box Chairman. He supported and participated in the building of ramps for the handicapped and was honored to have been named Civitan of the Year. He also served on the board of the Council on Aging of West Florida, was a Board Member Emeritus, and was President in 1982. He supported and worked with Habitat for Humanity and with the organization now known as New Horizons of Northwest Florida. He cherished the many long-lasting friendships he made with his fellow members and volunteers while working together to provide services and assistance to those in need.
Joe enjoyed golfing with friends and spending time at the farm where he loved driving his tractor and being with the horses and other animals.
To honor Joe’s remarkable life, a Celebration of Life will be held on July 21, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3400 Bayou Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32503, with Reverend Hugh Hamilton and Reverend Frank Beall officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial gifts be made to an organization of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BayviewFisher-PouChapel.com for the Black family.
