Silas Black

Retired Chief Master Sergeant Silas Black-

of Chandler Arizona died unexpectedly though peacefully in his residence on Veterans Day, November 11, 2015, at the age of 85.

Silas is survived by his daughter, Tanya Renee Black, SMSgt, (retired Air Force); grandson Janvier Alexander Davis; Dolores Madden; brother-in-law, Fred Mitchell; and a host of nieces and nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and 11 siblings.

Silas was born on March 16, 1930 in New River, Virginia to Daniel and Nora Black.  Although he was the 8

th

child of 12, upon the death of his father, he was looked upon as the family leader.  He began working at an early age to help support the family.  Upon graduating from high school, he was drafted into the United States Army Air Corp on July 14, 1951 to support the Korean War.  He served with honor for almost 29 years before retiring from Williams Air Force Base Arizona in 1979.   His awards include the Air Force Meritorious Service, Army Good Conduct, Korean Service, United Nations, National Defense, and the Republic of Vietnam medals.

After retiring from the Air Force, the love of Chandler and family-like friends were the deciding factor to become an Arizonan.   He embarked on his second career with the United States Postal Service.  and retired on October 2, 1992.  Like most military service men and women, he was driven to make positive contributions to the local community and the less fortunate in the United States and abroad.  Locally, he actively served with the Lions Club and Phoenix 500 club, as well as provided financial support to many other community endeavors and charities.

As the Patriarch of the family, Silas set the example for everyone to follow.  He was the listening ear, advisor, the shoulder to cry on, gentle disciplinarian, and supporter for all of children and their children of his deceased siblings.  As a father and grandfather, he was and still is the best ever. Tanya Renee and Alex always knew they had his unconditional love and support.

Silas Black was truly a remarkable man.  His support and love for family, patriotism, strong work ethic, compassion for others, willingness take action, as opposed to talking about it, has left an indelible footprint for all to follow.  He will forever be loved, missed and never forgotten by the many lives he has touched.