John Floyd Black Jr. Obituary
Hardage - Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home and CemeteryCDR. John Floyd Black, Jr., USN Retired (93) passed away peacefully on May 8, 2024 at Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. He was the husband of Beatrice C. Black. They shared 47 years of marriage.
Born on March 8, 1931 in Crest, GA, he was the son of John Floyd Black, Sr. and Frances Lawrence Black of Thomaston, GA. He was a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Thomaston, GA and received a Bachelors of Science Degree from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA.
He was a career Naval Officer, enlisting in the United States Navy in 1948 as a Seaman recruit. Working his way through the enlisted ranks and graduating from Officers Candidate School in 1964, he attained the rank of Commander before his retirement from the Navy in 1981. During his distinguished 33 year career he was awarded many medals, awards, citations and commendations. He served and defended his nation worldwide, including four tours in the Vietnam War. He served three tours of duty on the USS Oriskany and his last tour in 1971 was as a Naval Adviser to the Republic of Vietnam creating an organized supply distribution system for which he earned the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions) and the Navy Commendation Medal with a Combat V. He was an avid fisherman, outdoorsman and member of the Boy Scouts of America, attaining the designation of Eagle Scout in his youth.
CDR Black was preceded in death by his father John Floyd Black Sr, his mother Frances Lawrence Black (Thomaston, GA) and sisters Frances June Crawford (Waycross, GA) and Anne Marie Thompson (Jacksonville, FL). He is survived by his wife Beatrice C. Black of Jacksonville, FL, children John F. Black III (Laurie) of Murphy, NC, Franklin John Black (Ginny) of Jacksonville, FL, Meghan Sophia Roger (David) of Jacksonville, FL as well as 3 grandchildren, Stephanie Black Jenson (Eric) of Marietta, GA, Robin Black Hix (Ryan) of Tarpon Springs, FL, Aria Sophia Roger of Jacksonville, FL and 3 great grandchildren, Emma Rose Jenson, Lily Anne Hix and Ivy Leigh Hix.
Services will be held at 11:00am on May 15, 2024 at the St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church, 12760 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL followed by a full military interment ceremony at the Jacksonville National Veterans Cemetery 4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made to St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church, 12760 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 or to the Shepherds Men Foundation, P.O. Drawer R, Marietta, GA 30061, a charitable organization providing medical care to veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.
A visitation for John will be held Wednesday, May 15, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church, 12760 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, May 15, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 12760 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246. A committal service will occur Wednesday, May 15, 2024 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
