William S. Black, Jr.

Merritt Island

William S. Black Jr., 79, passed away on September 5, 2012 at his home after a seven month illness.

Bill was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska on May 18, 1933 to Lillian Wilson Black and William S. Black Sr.. Bill served in the U.S. Air Force. While stationed at Patrick AFB, he trained for the Olympics, where he placed 13th in the nation for the decathlon in the 1956 Olympic tryouts. For over 30 years he continued to compete in local competitions where he won many trophies.

Bill attended the University of Nebraska. He graduated from Lindsey-Hopkins Vocational School in Miami with honors. He was the owner of WS Black Co., in Merritt Island, Florida for 40 years. His background of successful scholastic and athletic determination stood him in good stead when he had to guide his business through two local depressions, both related to employer cutbacks at Kennedy Space Center. These two economic downtrends occurred in 1973 and 1974 and again in 1984 and 1985. On the heels of the first economic downtrend, the W. S. Black Company survived a fire that completely destroyed the business. Bill's personal integrity and determination carried his Company through thick and thin and he has remained a highly respected individual of our community who people still call on for advice.

After retiring in 2000, he and his beloved wife, Lillian, traveled the world extensively visiting over 40 countries. Bill and Lil were married August 19, 2002 at the Candelight Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. They spent a wonderful week in Vegas attending shows and touring the area.

They enjoyed doing many things such as riding camels in Egypt, hot air ballooning, Mardi Gras in Rio, helicopter rides in New York & Rio, gondola rides in Venice, touring Australia and New Zealand, zip lining in St. Kitts, just to name a few. But they also enjoyed just playing pool, cards, or bingo at the Moose. Even though they were close family friends for over 40 years, Bill and Lil crammed a lifetime of living and loving into 11 years as husband and wife.

Besides his wife Lillian, he is survived by sister, Charlene (Everett); niece, Sandra (James); nephew, Jamie; sons, Daniel, David, and Danny; daughters, Jody, Bonnie, and Vicki; grandsons, Derek (Naki), Trevor, Mitchell, and Austin; granddaughters, Michelle (Aaron) and Emily; two great nieces and three great grandchildren.

Bill was an avid golfer, a founding member of the Country Club of Brevard, and a member of the Merritt Island Moose. He was of Presbyterian Faith.

Bill was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother and will be forever loved and greatly missed.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at Florida Memorial Funeral Home from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Services will follow at 10:30 am.

A reception in celebration of Bill's life will follow the service at the funeral home.