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Charles Black Obituary

Charles T. Black

Charles Thomas Black of Wilmington, age 87, died at home on January 22, 2013. Born in Harlan, KY, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. O. T. Black. Mr. Black was valedictorian of his graduating class from Harlan High School and then attended the University of Chattanooga for one year before entering the V-12 program at 17. He was commissioned an ensign at Fort Schuyler, NY Midshipmen's School, trained at the U.S. Civil Engineering Corps Officer's School, Camp Endicott, R.I., and served with the U.S. Navy's Construction Battalion, "Seabees," during WWII. Mr. Black received his B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Kansas where he was elected to the Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Tau honorary engineering societies.

Mr. Black worked for Shell Oil, Wood River, IL before beginning a 40-year career he loved with the DuPont Company, first in Niagara Falls, NY and Linden, NJ, later transferring to Wilmington. He designed and constructed production facilities throughout the country for diverse products from nylon and automotive paints to weapons grade metallic plutonium.

Mr. Black was a member of Aldersgate Church, a Golden Legion member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, a sixty-year member of the DuPont Country Club, and a teacher and mentor for Junior Achievement. He was also a member and past president of the Instrument Society of America.

Mr. Black was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Doris Talley, in 2011 and his brother, James Black, of Ponte Vedra, FL in 2005. He is survived by his daughter, Sheriden Talley Black, and two grandsons, Peter T.B. and Malcolm T.B. Godshall, of Chadds Ford.

There will be a memorial service on Monday, February 4 at 11:00 at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, with visitation at 10:00. In lieu of flowers and to honor Mr. Black's fondness for the Tatnall School, the family suggests that contributions be made to the Tatnall School scholarship fund, 1501 Barley Mill Rd., Wilmington, DE 19807. Messages of condolence may be sent to www.mccreryandharra.com.

Published by The News Journal from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

Dear Sheridan, Peter and Malcolm,

Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear father. I know he was a sweet man and sick for awhile, which is so hard to see loved ones suffer after being so lively and active.
God Bless on his journey to heaven and reclaim his wife and loved ones who went before him. He is happy and free of all pain now.
Be happy in the joyful memories and mourn only your loss for Charles T Black, for he is forever with our Lord the Prince of Peace.

Sincerely,
Marilyn and Jeff Godshall

Marilyn Godshall

February 2, 2013

Mr. Black known as "Chas." always had a smile, and was very cordial. His devotion to his lovely daughter, Sheriden, and to his grandsons was always evident.

Tony Marino

February 1, 2013

I've known Mr. Black for about 20 years now, through his beautiful daughter, Sheriden. Chas and his late wife never failed to attend the community-symphony concerts Sheriden performed in, and I will always picture him smiling proudly in the theater as he watched and listened along with his grandsons. Truly a devoted father and grandfather -- and a really nice and caring man.

Lisa Roberts

February 1, 2013

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