Harley Raymond Black

Harley Black, 78, of Danville passed away Sunday, July 20, 2014 at Colonial Manor in Danville. Born January 9, 1936 he was the son of Harley Neil and Laura Irene (Moffitt) Black. Very young in Harleys life, his mother remarried to Red Laird who raised Harley like his own son. On February 18, 1966 he married Joyce A. Bartlett in Danville. As a young man, Harley (known as “Blackie”) was in the United States Navy Reserve, honorably discharged due to injury. He then worked as a pressman for Eureka Printing for 18 years. He single-handedly built and later remodeled his familys home in south Danville. Harley worked in the construction field, drove a semi, and served as head custodian for school district 118, retiring 19 years later. Harley enjoyed motor boating, water skiing and picnicking on Lake Vermilion with family and friends. He and his wife were members of a boating club called The Flying Shingles, where he taught many young people to ski. Blackie loved the Mississippi river. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joyce; two children, Lori Black of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Bradley J. (Stacey) Black of Danville; one brother, Herbert N. (Juanita) Black of San Diego, California; six grandchildren, Emily Brehm, Ella and Emmet Black, and Addi and Alaina Allee, all of Danville, and Patrick B. Black-Dale of Gunnison, Colorado; three nephews, Robert and Richard of San Diego, California, and Wade Bartlett of Texas; and four nieces, Michelle Bartlett of California, Cindy Bartlett of Texas, Vicki Bartlett of Colorado, and Chana Ward of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents. Cremation rites have been entrusted to the care of Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville. A memorial service with burial at Sunset Memorial Park will be set for a later date. Please join Harleys family in sharing memories, photos and videos of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .