Fred "Freddie" O. Black, Jr.

WADESBORO - Mr. Fred (Freddie) O. Black, Jr. peacefully slipped away from this life and on to the next on Tuesday, October 7, at home with his loving wife of 56 years by his side.

Born in Anson County on March 30, 1950, Freddie was the oldest of four children given to Fred (Jack) and Margaret Black of Ansonville.

Freddie graduated from Bowman High School, in Wadesboro, NC, in 1967. After graduation he went to work at Duff Norton, filling the position of Drill Operator for four years. Blessed with a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, he started taking evening courses and followed his father-in-law into the real estate business. Freddie Black Real Estate soon followed and a career serving hundreds of local families was born. With over 40 years in the Real Estate business, Freddie was recognized with the North Carolina Realtors Lifetime Achievement Award and remained the Broker in Charge of the firm until the time of his death.

During the process of helping clients with their real estate needs, Freddie recognized the need for construction work and added General Building and Highway Contracting to the list of services he wanted to provide. Over the course of 40 years, Freddie worked with families and business owners to meet their construction needs. It is difficult to travel on any Anson County Road without passing a property he assisted with selling, building or renovating. Freddie took great pride in knowing the real estate and construction businesses he started many years ago would continue to grow.

Perhaps it started with his work serving the public through his business, but Freddie soon felt a calling to serve as an elected public official. He decided to “throw his hat in the ring” and run to serve as one of Anson County’s commissioners. He was successful, this started a period serving as Anson County Commissioner that lasted for over 15 years, much of it as Chairman of the Board. He remained very proud of the accomplishments that Board achieved during his tenure. These included School Bonds that provided funding for numerous elementary schools in the county, as well as contracts to supply adjacent Union County with water. These contracts provided steady revenue that is still enjoyed decades later.

Freddie’s belief in serving the public extended far beyond his time in politics. For many years he was active in the local Civitan club, Jaycees, the United Way, and the Masons. He was a faithful member of Mt. Beulah Baptist Church where he served on the Building Committee and Deacon Board. Growing up, Freddie loved playing baseball, well known as one of the best pitchers in the county! He continued that involvement in baseball by sponsoring a local little league team for over 10 years.

Freddie’s greatest joy was his family, most of his free time was spent with them. Rarely did a weekend go by that he could not be found attending a grandchild’s dance recital, ballgame, or taking the family on short getaways to the beach or mountains. He set a Godly example on how to support and love your family that will last for generations to come.

Those who are left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Lois Watts Black; his children, Ray Black and wife, Karey of Wesley Chapel and Miriam Huntley and husband, Dean of Wadesboro; his grandchildren, Caroline Rose Black and Grayce Rae Black both of Wesley Chapel, Kristen Jeri Diggs and Jordyn Claire Diggs both of Gastonia and Dalton Allen Huntley of Wadesboro; his bonus grandchildren, Miller Deas of Wesley Chapel, Kaleigh Huntley of Monroe and Taylor Huntley of Wadesboro; his brothers and sister, Don Black of Chapel Hill, Carolyn Taylor of Mooresville and David “Big” Black and wife, Robin of Wadesboro and his nieces and nephews and their families.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Joy Black Diggs.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Beulah Baptist Church, 3373 Country Club Rd., Wadesboro, NC 28170.

The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com