Ross Miller Black Jr

Ross Miller Black Jr., 88, well-known and long-time resident of Ballinger passed away Tuesday, May 28, at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo.

He was born August 16, 1924, to Ross M. and Lola (Allison) Black. Ross joined the Army Air Corp during World War II. While stationed in Shawnee, Oklahoma, he married Vida Holstead on November 13, 1943, beginning a life of devotion to each other and working together for almost 67 years.

In 1967, Ross and his father bought ‘Ballinger Dry Goods’ and renamed it ‘Black’s’. He managed the store and worked alongside his wife for 22 years. They both retired in 1989 and enjoyed many years of traveling and sharing one another’s company until Vida’s passing on September 26, 2010. He was an active and faithful member of the First Christian Church. He will be remembered and missed by his family, his church family, the business community, and countless friends and acquaintances all of whom appreciated his energy and pleasantness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a son, Mike Black in March 1991, and three brothers, Jimmy Black, Gerald Black and Douglas Black.

Ross is survived by his brother, Bobby and wife Susie of Ballinger; his sisters-in-law, Kay Black of Ballinger and Virginia Black of Winters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Barbara Dean and Judy Dunn for their love and care for Ross.

Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, May 30, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 31, at 2:00 p.m., First Christian Church of Ballinger with Lynn Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, P.O. Box 553, Ballinger, Texas, 76821, or to a favorite charity.