Francis Marion Black, the second child of B.A. and Lillian Jackson Black, was born May 12, 1926, in Weslaco, Texas. Marion grew up in south Texas and attended high school in Mirando City, Texas. He was drafted at the end of his Junior Year into the United States Army-Air Corp. He was awarded the Purple Heart for the extensive wounds he received while fighting in Germany during World War II.
Marion and Dollie were married in Hebbronville, Jim Hogg County, Texas on September 3, 1946. The newlyweds settled in Mirando City were they made their home for over 50 years.
Marion was active in church and community affairs. He was a former member of the Trinity Baptist Church where he served as a trustee and moderator and member of the building committee. He was always ready to roll up his sleeves and help with any project. Marion worked as a volunteer in the annual Mirando City Halloween Carnival, served as Boy Scout Master and as a member of the Mirando City Independent School District, School Board for many years.
After Marion and Dollie moved to Harper, Gillespie County, in the Texas Hill County, Marion continued his passion for having the best looking yard in town and was often seen on his riding mower or working in his yard.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Harper, Texas at the time of his death. Marion went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 15, 2015.
The three things that Marion treasured most were: God, family and country.
Marion is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dollie Jim Loftice Black, one brother, Gerald Black and wife Nancy, two sisters Lillian Mae Bailey and husband Bob and Anna Belle Isaacks, one son, Michael Black and wife Chiwila and one daughter, Cindy Rayborn and husband Rusty, five grandchildren, Lisa Black Garlington and husband Brian, Dallas Rayborn, Whitney Rayborn, Savanah Black Blades and Derek James Black, and two great grandchildren Paityn and Andrew Garlington, two sisters-in-law Colleen Black and Bess Carranco, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in by his parents, and two brothers James B. and Robert Lewis Black and one brother-in-law Roy Isaacks.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 12:00 Noon at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel in Allen, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas.