Frederick Stanley Black

Frederick Stanley Black, of 435 Periwinkle Circle, South Boston, VA, died peacefully at home on April 14th, 2017, at the age of 79. He was born on January 24th, 1938. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in South Boston, and served both as a Deacon and High School Sunday School Teacher. Mr. Black also held an affection for and attended The Church of Jesus Christ, in Halifax County. Growing up, he held a true zeal for life and was an accomplished, determined student and gifted athlete. As a running back for the Halifax County High School Comets, “Fast Freddie” was named to the 1954 All-Western District squad and during his play established a personal rushing record that remained unbroken for many years. Mr. Black was a devoted member of the student fraternity group, The “?” Club. He graduated from his beloved alma mater, Wake Forest University, with a combined Bachelor of Arts and Laws degrees. Prior to law school graduation in 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Bettie Belle Newton Black in 1959. She remained by his side in love, work and play for 57 years of marriage and 54 years in the practice of law in Halifax County. In time, the couple affectionately became best known simply as “Freddie Belle.” Over the years, Mr. Black was an avid supporter and member of both the Halifax County and Virginia State Bar Associations. In 2013, he was honored by The Virginia State Bar Association for his 50 years of active membership. He was a passionate student of the law, always striving to improve his craft and the quality of representation he provided his clients. Even after retirement, Mr. Black remained hopeful he would find an opportunity to mentor younger law professionals in helping to build their careers and better serve their clients and community. One noted career accomplishment that Mr. Black was particularly grateful for was achieved with another local South Boston attorney, Franklin M. Slayton. Their partnership helped to create new Virginia State law that broadened the definition of “being struck by an automobile”, that provided greater benefits’ coverage to an injured car driver and passenger. Mr. Black’s true “second home” was Wake Forest University. He was a two term Board of Visitors’ member and an active Demon Deacon Sports Club supporter. For many years, Mr. Black, Bettie Belle and son, Stanley, were rarely absent from a home football game and tailgate affair. The “Old Black & Gold” Wake Forest colors, team mascot and “Go Deacs!” school fight cry have always adorned home, office and car. He had a great love for his lifelong home, Halifax County, and was a founding member and first President of The Halifax County SERTOMA (Service to Mankind) civic group. Mr. Black helped to form the “Demon Deacons” Pee Wee Youth Football Team. As the team’s first Head Coach, he believed that sports provided an opportunity and platform to train young minds and bodies on the benefits of character, discipline and team work that would serve them and others well throughout their life.  The family is grateful for his full recovery from open heart surgery complications and a coma in 1994, that also resulted in the loss of his lower right leg. This will always be a testimony of God’s mercy, grace and love as well as the power of the human will when determined to overcome unbeatable odds. Mr. Black is survived by his wife of 57 years, Bettie Belle Newton Black, of South Boston, VA; son, Frederick Stanley Black, Jr., of Richmond, VA; and brother, Richard Hugh Black, III, of Staunton, VA. He is preceded in death by his Father, Edwin Nelms Black, Jr; his Mother, Marion Blanche Stortz Black; and his brother, Edwin Nelms Black, III. A graveside service is scheduled for Thursday, April 20th, 2017, at 11:00 AM, at Oak Ridge Cemetery, South Boston, VA, with the Reverend Bob Ballance officiating. All are welcome to attend and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please send donations to local Halifax County charities and civic groups. Online condolences can be sent to www.powellfuneralinc.com.   The family would like to thank all Sentara Halifax Hospital, Sentara Woodview and Duke Medical physician, nurse and staff teams for their compassion, care and concern during Mr. Black’s recent illness and hospital/skilled nursing care facility stays. Arrangements are by Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA 24592.