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Willard James Black
Posted
Willard James Black, 84, passed away on Wed., June 14, 2017. Surrounded by his family in Sun City West, AZ. "Will" was born in Saginaw, MI to Benjamin and Ella Black. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, MI. Will served in the US Army and then worked at Michigan National Bank for 40 years, which is where he met and married his loving wife Gerry.He volunteered for the Civitan Club, Lions, and Toast Masters International, and served as a board member for the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Community Hospital Services. He also coached little league baseball and basketball. Later, after retiring in Arizona, he was President of his HOA, a member of the Sun City Posse, a Stephens Minister, and an active member of Shepherd of the Hills Methodist Church. Will enjoyed hiking and running, golf, pheasant hunting, biking, playing cards, friends, and spending time with his family. He was a friend to all.Will is survived by his son, Mark (Nancy), son David (Barbara), daughter Jill (Clark) Bassett; eight grandchildren, Emily (Jason) Kalmbach, Elisa Black, Ben (Kerry) Black, David Black, Reed (Alyssa) Black, Andrew Bassett, Noah Bassett, and Mia Bassett; and great-grandchildren Olivia Kalmbach, Owen Black, Evan Black, and Beau Black.He was preceded in death by Gerry, brother Jerry, sister-in-law Minnie, and brother-in-law Donald Bow.A celebration of life service will be held at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church in Sun City West, AZ, on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Arizona whose support and kindness were so greatly appreciated during our dad's final days.
