Clifton E. “Gene” Black, 85, of Taylorville died on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 3:47 A.M. in his home. He was born August 25, 1931 in Haleyville, AL to William Isaac and Grace (West) Black. He married Carol Mathon on June 5, 1955 in Taylorville, IL. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany. As a young man, he was a broadcast engineer for WTIM in Taylorville and WMAY in Springfield and a television repairman at Higgason TV and Appliance. Gene and his wife spent many hours remodeling houses for his children and grandchildren which taught them the value of hard work and dedication. In the later years, “The Chief” became the project manager of the house remodels and new construction builds, watching his family follow in his footsteps. He was a loyal Cubs fan for many years and enjoyed watching them win their 100th game this season. “Poppa” as many knew him loved his family and was always greeting his grandchildren and great grandchildren with treats when they came over to play.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years Carol Black of Taylorville; his children, Susan (George) Calvert of Taylorville, Jane Griffith of Taylorville, Doug (Carla) Black of Taylorville, Lisa (Dan) Nieves of Rochester and Lori Smothers of Taylorville; Grandchildren, Amy (Ben) Winans, Aaron (fiancé Malissa) Calvert, Keri (Lee) Mateer, Kati Griffith, Ryne Griffith, Blake Thomas, Connor Black, Jodi (Aaron) Acree, Cassidy Nieves, Reagan Nieves, Adan Nieves, Livia Nieves, Jesse (Kayla) Smothers, and Jacob Smothers. Great Grandchildren: Eric, Travis, and Lilly Winans, Ellee, Emlyn, Eileen, and Eloise Mateer, Carter Thomas, Jayden, Adalyn and Amelia Acree, and Ryker and Hadley Smothers; Sisters, Marie Marbutt of Russelville, AL, Faye (Leon) Patterson of Moulton, AL, and Joan (Jerry) Pinta of Orland Park, IL and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers and 1 sister.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at 2 P.M. at the Community of Christ Church with Cheryl Croft officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.
Memorials will be made to Vision Way Christian School, 1124 N Webster or Tornado Wrestling Foundation C/O Jerry Mahr, P.O. Box 237, Mt. Auburn, Il 62547.
Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.
