Neill S. Black

Neill S. Black, age 80, of Gholson, passed away early Tuesday morning, May 26, 2015 at his residence. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church of Gholson, with Rev. James Stevens officiating. Burial will follow at Gholson Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West. Neill was born October 24, 1934 in Waco, the son of Elijah and Parilee (Harville) Black. He attended schools in Gholson and West. On December 12, 1951 Neill was united in marriage to Wanda Lou Connally in Waco. He worked as an Inspector and Surveyor for the Texas Highway Department for 15 years with the Waco and Belton Districts until he retired in 1980. Neill was then owner and operator of Black's Music Store in Temple. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Gholson. Neill enjoyed fishing, gardening and playing the guitar, piano, dobro and harmonica. He especially loved spending time with his family. Neill is preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, James Black, Carlton Black, Billy Black and Gene Black; two sisters, Barbara Barber and Leta Valliancourt; and a son-in-law, Terry Shoemaker. Survivors include his beloved wife of 63 years, Wanda Black of Gholson; four daughters, Leta Thompson and husband Ed, Marsha Hahn and husband Ronnie, all of Gholson, Shelly Wilson and husband Larry of Teague and Teresa Zinke and husband Mike of Belton; a sister, Mary Rich and husband Bill; 8 grandchildren, Cristie Thigpen, Stacy Slone and husband Jason, Greg Thompson, Steven Thompson, Luke Shoemaker and wife Ashley, Katie Cramer and husband Patrick, Marcus Wilson and Megan Chilton and husband Ryan; 7 great grandchildren and one on the way; several nieces and, nephews, including Ray Sanders and wife, Kim; and many other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Mike Zinke, Ronnie Hahn, Ed McCafferty, Larry Wilson, Ray Sanders, Luke Shoemaker, Steven Thompson and Marcus Wilson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gholson Cemetery, First Baptist Church of Gholson Building Fund, or to Gholson Volunteer Fire Department.