Tommie was amazing. Love shadow shag gin. Will
Miss him much what a great talent. Adele Roueche

He always loved music.  As my cousin he loved one thing more and that was Christina.  She was the only person to ever make him happy. 

I really didn't know Uncle Tommy that well but he is a very sweet and caring person and loved everybody. I, My Mom Tammy Black, My brother Reagan Black, and the rest of the Black Family all miss him and we hope to see him when we all pass away. We will all miss you! RIP Uncle Tommy Black 

Several years ago I fell in love with the song “Shadow Shagin”. In my minds eye, I could visually picture shadow shaggers and every word of the lyrics. I told my wife how much I loved the song and wanted to do a video. At the time, it was project I didn’t have the time to shoot.
A year later, I was shooting a promo video for a band at Ducks on Main. A gentleman approached me and asked me if I’d be interested in shooting a music video for him. I said sure, I might be interested. He said “ My name is Tommy Black and I wrote a song about a man seeing shadow figures dancing on the wall, it’s called “Shadow Shaggin”.  
My jaw hit the floor.... I turned to my wife and we both had the biggest grin imaginable as he was one of our favorite beach music artist.  I told him that I have already talked with my wife about doing it. I had never seen or met Tommy before. We spoke about 15 minutes about the video. 
It made my day to meet the person who wrote the song and get some background on the song.  I’ve put the video on the back burner far too long. It would be my greatest pleasure to complete the video in his memory.

Went to Pembroke when Tommy did, didn’t know him well but loved to hear him sing!!!

I remember the days long ago at Hope Mills Jr. High School. You were such a cool teacher! So many of us really enjoyed your class! 
Later years at NMB  I was blessed with yours and Cristina's friendship. I  loved watching the two of you get married and grow as a couple and as musicians together.  I hope you knew how many people loved you! The outpouring of love since you passed is enormous! 
Rest easy my former teacher and my friend always.❤


I always enjoyed his and Cristina’s music but even more was the quality time of conversation and friendship. I’m so sorry for your loss and he will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with family at this time. 

Shawn, I am so very sad to hear of Tommy’s passing.  My whole family has such happy memories of your Dad playing  great music, entertaining us for hours at the Crab Pot in Surf City, NC. He was a talented, funny and kind man. He will be missed by all who knew him.  We will keep you  and your family in our prayers during this difficult time.

I met Mr. Black as one of my Coaches at Douglas Byrd Jr. High. He was always funny and telling jokes, but cared for us like we were his own.
As an adult I got to know him as a singer. He was so gifted and blessed.
My deepest condolences to all of the family and people who were close with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I wanted to extend my deepest condolences to the family. I met Mr. Black at Douglas Byrd Junior High back in 1982. He was such a wonderful person and his voice was beautiful. All the students loved Mr. Black. He truly touched many lives. May God bless his wife, son, and other family members during this time.

I am a former student,  Tommy brought so much energy with him to school. We loved him and respected him.  I remember his amazing talent as a singer and he had a good Elvis impersonation.  He is unforgettable because he was larger than life and he made everyone around him laugh.  

Coach Black was one of a kind Played soccer for him at Douglas Byrd junior for 3 years always kept me focused  on school and being very compétitive on the soccer field he never showed any favortism towards his son  shawn playing for Hopemills when we competed on the field just a great person to have on your side Rip Coach

Tommy sang at our wedding reception 28 years ago. What a truly amazing person and entertainer. Our deepest of sympathy are with his entire family. All of our prayers in this incredibly difficult time.

To my 7th grade gym and homeroom teacher, I remember you always singing,  had us singing "I Feel Good", you made junior high bearable, sing on Coach because I know you are leading the choir.

Thanks for singing gospel with me on the Cruise. You have now touched that "Unseen Hand" prayers for all of your family and friends

Shawn, 
May your many memories bring you and your family comfort and peace.  Prayers for you all during this difficult time.  

I have so many memories of Tommy that to share one would be tough.  But I will say that there was not a nicer man, wonderful friend, and outstanding member of the Beach Music Family.  He was a Legend in his own time, and will live on in our hearts every time someone sings or plays Shadow Shagers.   I was honored to try and give credit to his career in the Band Book and his accomplishments over his amazing life will live on in Legend.  My friend, my brother, and a wonderful man in every sense of the definition.  Rest in peace my brother.
Howie

Christina, Please know you are in the prayers and hearts of so many Massey Hill Pirates. Tommy was one of us as you know and so many hear loved him as a friend,  neighbor, and musician.  Most of all we loved his smile and cut up humor. Go rest with Jesus Tommy. We will miss you but personally I look forward to the heavenly choir where I know you will be singing.

We love you Christina and Tommy and We will miss him dearly!!! Great friends prayers send to you and your family!!!! 
With Lots of Love Tammy's Tangent 

My all time favorite song that Tommy Black wrote and composed is SHADOW SHAGGING.  Tommy you are a true legend in the Beach Music World. Rest in peace my friend. You will never be forgotten.

Tommy was a wonderful Christian who loved his country and fellow man.
I first met him through s mutual beach music musician and later at Duke when he was undergoing treatment at the same time as my sister.
He was a friendly, caring man who never missed an opportunity to speak to you and in my case, express concern.
His political posts warned my heart as we were experiencing the same views.
His joy of life was evident and he will be greatly missed.
My condolences to Christina and his family. You were blessed to have him as s father, grandfather and husband.

As a Saxophone Player from Rock Hill, SC, and fellow musician, I  played a few jobs with Tommy and Christina. 
Tommy and Christina were always very special to me. I never forgot them for a minute. I am very proud to have played with them.
I will truly miss Tommy.

Tommy was a wonderful person and a great family man. 
He will be missed !!!

I am so sorry to hear of your passing. You where one of the most memorable Teachers that I had. My days at Sherwood Park School were so long ago but seem like yesterday at times.The family will be in my Prayers.

Tommy was a great guy. He and I were friends from his days at PSU, worked at Coachman & Four together, and stayed in touch often!!
God bless Tommy and our prayers are with the family! We will all meet again!

Sunbeam  & Marty

“......our backyards joined in that Tolar Hart Mill Village in Fayetteville, NC, and we became friends at 3 years old.  We were playmates, classmates,athletes, and “partners-in-life” as we grew to adulthood.  We never became anything less than “best buddies” in the lifetime we shared.  I will miss the humor, pranks and memories that only good friends have shared. Tommy was indeed, the “Wind beneath the wings of many”.
Alex Warner


“Coach Black” was probably the teacher I have the fondest memories of. I was lucky enough to have him as a Recreation league soccer coach (Lightning Bolts) before having him as a teacher then soccer coach at Douglas Byrd Junior High. He had a unique ability to be very assertive and tell it like it is but also mix in an incredible sense of humor which made him more like a friend than a teacher. As a coach he was super competitive and always pushed us to be aggressive. 
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest In Peace Coach Black!!!

To the Black family and the many friends of Tommy's, I am so sorry for the loss of this sweet man.    May the many memories bring you a lot of laughter.         Carolyn Gilgen

My prayers are with you Christina and family.  


Cristina,me&Helen always enjoyed  hearing you &Tommy here at Surf City,N.C. as well as at Myrtle Beach. I remember  talking to him at the trailor bar last year,when he told me he had tests to complete where he wasnt feeling himself.  we are so sorry for your loss  but we know god now has another heavenly angle. Please stay strong trust in god he will see you thru, We love you& will keep you & the family  in our prayers.                                                                                                                          

I taught school with Tommy at Douglas Byrd in the 1980s. He always made me laugh and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. Great and talented man! Gods got another musician to add to the choir of Angels. Rest In Peace my sweet friend. 

Mr.Black in 1977 as my P.T. and Health teacher at Douglas Byrd Jr. was a wonderful instructor and really cared for his students. The whole school loved his ability to be Elvis at Halloween and sing those songs just as Elvis had walked into the building. As they say, with great love Elvis has left the building for Gods castle that awaits a great man that I am pleased to have known. 

I really thought highly of Tommy -- his talents and his kindness and friendliness to everyone.  Admired his ability to write such beautiful lyrics, and his performance talent.  Loved Shadow Dancing the first time I ever heard it at SOS. RIP Tommy Black.

🕯You were a great teacher, singer, and friend. May you rest high on that mountain...


I cherish the many memories of our younger days together, you will be missed!

You will Be Missed , Tommy  Rest in Peace  My Friend 

Dear Christina, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Your Tommy was a very nice and sweet man. He would sing my two favorite songs every time I ask him to sing them. He will be missed. Sending up prayers for you and all the family

Tommy was so talented and such a nice guy!  Condolences to Christina & family.  He will be missed.

Didn’t know Tommy personally, but did love his music. A very talented musician and writer. When younger would go to Surf City for summer. Feel like I heard his music there.  Condolences to his wife, Christina and all the family.  Will be in prayer for comfort.
Blessings 
Jo Minton

Tommy was a trusted friend, a gentleman, and a gentle soul. He truly made the world a better place for all that knew him. Through his faith and his kindness to others he earned his wings. Fly High my friend. Enjoy your place in that heavenly band. Get the music started. We’ll be there by and by. 
Phil & Sue

My thoughts and prayers are with you Christina through this difficult Time.Tommy was a awesome man and loved you Dearly.Surround yourself with your family and friends and know that  his love will always be with you!  

Tommy and I played music together in many bands. Southern Star and Cumberland Gap to name a couple. He was many things, performer, Tenor, Comedian, and Impressionist.  I was adorned with a perpetual  grin when around Tommy and his sense of humor was infectious. I, along with many others will miss him greatly. Rest Easy my Friend...........Hunt Owen

Tommy was a beautiful soul.
Met him many years ago at Topsail beach, playing at the Crab pot. Have followed him ever since. He was a great entertainer, great song writer and a great friend. I think the happiest I have ever seen him was when he found his Christina.  Christina, you will be in our prayers, along with your family.
Tommy, what a honor, to be one of many to hear that beautiful voice, and to call you my friend.
You will never be forgotten 

Thoughts and prayers go out to Christina and family . Tommy was a good friend and musician that will be greatly missed.    Tim Hoback

OBITUARY

Thomas Black Jr.

July 12, 1942 – July 17, 2019

Lee Funeral Home

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