A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA General Assembly UPON THE PASSING OF Charles Ernest "Chuck" Black Jr. OF Marlboro COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly were saddened to learn of the death of Charles Ernest "Chuck" Black Jr. at the age of sixty-six on Sunday, July 26, 2026; and

 

Whereas, born in Bennettsville on October 31, 1959, he was the son of the late Charles Ernest and Beulah Creech Black and grew up in a loving home with his siblings, David Warren Black of Lexington and Vivian Black Lee of Bennettsville; and

 

Whereas, an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, Mr. Black received the prestigious Vigil Honor, the highest honor bestowed by the Order of the Arrow, the national honor society of Scouting America. He graduated from Bennettsville High School in 1977, where he excelled on the football field; and

 

Whereas, he earned a bachelor's degree from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, in 1981 and began a lifelong career in education. His first teaching position was at Woodruff Junior High School, and in 1984, he returned to Marlboro County as a teacher and football coach at Bennettsville High School. In 1988, he began teaching and coaching at Marlboro County High School. In 1993, he earned his master's degree in education administration from Winthrop University. He continued working, even after retirement, touching countless lives as an educator, coach, and mentor; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Black spent many years serving his community as a firefighter. He retired as a lieutenant from the Bennettsville Fire Department but remained active with the Wallace and Clio Fire departments. He served as a member of the Marlboro County Firefighters Association, an instructor at the South Carolina Fire Academy, and a member of the Pee Dee Incident Management Team, and he taught firefighting through career technical centers; and

 

Whereas, a faithful and active member of the First Methodist Church of Bennettsville, Mr. Black served the congregation in several roles, including teaching the Pledger Hodges Sunday School class. He was also very involved in the Salkehatchie ministry. He was a Mason and a lifelong member of Marlboro Lodge #88 and a member of the Marlboro Shrine Club; and

 

Whereas together with his beloved wife, Jo Davis Black, he reared three fine children: Charles Ernest Black III of Belton, Lawren DeWitt Black of Florence, and Mary Jo Black of Bennettsville; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Black, affectionately known as "Papa," was blessed by his children with the love of seven adoring grandchildren: Titan Roller, Andrea Hammonds, Evelynn Moon, Memphis Roller, Korri Black, Alice Black, and Arden Burkett; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is grateful for the life and legacy of Chuck Black and for the example of excellence, selfless service, and dedication he set for all who knew him. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Charles Ernest "Chuck" Black Jr. of Marlboro County and extend their deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and his many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Charles Ernest "Chuck" Black Jr.

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