Dr. Winsel O'Neal Black

Dr. Winsel O'Neal “Jack” Black, born June 10, 1931, in Asheville, North Carolina, was the eldest of seven children of Robert Lee Black and Jessie Lee Freeman Black. Raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains, he learned early the values of hard work, education, and integrity from his devoted parents.

A 1949 graduate of Stephens-Lee High School, Dr. Black served three and a half years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict as a Medical Laboratory Technician. He was inspired to pursue medicine by his maternal grandmother, a devoted midwife. He later attended Howard University, earning a B.S. in Chemistry (1957) and a Doctor of Medicine (1961) from Howard University College of Medicine. While there, he joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Beta Chapter, strengthening his lifelong commitment to leadership and service.

During his medical training at Kate Bitting Reynolds Hospital in Winston-Salem, he met Louise Johnson, a surgical nurse. They married in 1961, beginning a sixty-four-year partnership rooted in love, faith, and service.

In the early 1960s, Dr. Black moved to Salisbury, North Carolina, where in 1965 he opened a general practice above Purcell's Drug Store on North Main Street. That same year, he became the first African American physician to admit a patient to Rowan Memorial Hospital, a milestone that opened doors for others to follow. For 35 years, until his retirement in 2000, he cared for Salisbury and nearby communities with compassion and dignity, often serving those with limited access to care.

Beyond his practice, Dr. Black was deeply involved in civic and church life. He supported youth mentorship, education, and community uplift through Moore's Chapel AME Zion Church and other organizations. His honors included the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award (1984), the NAACP Humanitarian Award, and recognition as a charter member of the Livingstone College President's Club. He was a life member of the NAACP, an Alpha Phi Alpha brother, and a member of the J.C. Price American Legion Post #107.

Dr. Black is survived by his beloved wife Louise Johnson Black; children Jacquelynn (Bunny), Winsel Jr. (W.O., Sharyne), and Derrick; grandchildren Allison, Nicholas, and Lauren; siblings James (Joanne), Eula Dickerson (William), and Leonard (Emogenne); and many cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceding him in death are his parents and brothers Alphonso, Charles, and Robert.

Dr. Black's life reflected courage, perseverance, and a deep belief in education, service, and faith. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the barriers he helped break.

Arrangements: Public Walk Thru Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM at the funeral home. Services will be Friday, November 7, 2025 at Moore's Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church with a Public Viewing from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Visitation from 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM and Funeral at 11:30 AM.

Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, Inc. is assisting the Black family. Online condolences may be sent to nobleandkelsey.com