"Dr. Black was my doctor from the time I was 6 years old until about age 30! Yes I was to old for him to be still seeing me, he always encouraged me to still come see him and always made feel welcome! He was a Wonderful doctor and a even better man! A life long friend of our family and a true Fountain Citian, he will forever be remembered and missed! My prayers for the entire Black family, Danny Housley"
In loving memory of
Joe William Black
November 29, 1933 - June 5, 2020
Dr. Joe William Black, Jr., 86, passed away June 5, 2020. A native Knoxvillian, he was born November 29, 1933 to Joe William, Sr. and Jeanette Armstrong Black.
Joe was a graduate of Central High School Class of 1951. There he met Shirley Tindell, who became his best friend and with whom he would have celebrated sixty-six years of marriage on June 8, 2020. He was an active member of Fountain City United Methodist Church where they were married, and for over 60 years, he and Shirley were members of the Christian Homebuilders Sunday school class.
Joe attended Tennessee Military Institute and UT Knoxville before entering UT College of Medicine at Memphis where he graduated in 1957. He completed his internship at UT Medical Center in Knoxville followed by a residency in pediatrics at The University of Tennessee in Memphis.
He was proud to have served as a Captain in the United States Air Force at Keesler Air Force Base following his medical training. He then returned to Knoxville in 1962 where he founded his pediatric practice which became known as Drs. Black and Benton. He practiced for thirty-six years, eleven of which were with his son Dr. Joe W. Black, III and daughter-in-law Dr. Monica Black.
During his time in practice he touched many lives. Not only was he a beloved pediatrician who took care of thousands of children throughout the region (in some cases multiple generations of the same family), he was a mentor, leader and all-around encourager to anyone he met. Many future physicians spent time with Joe, and he motivated many others to pursue their dreams outside the medical field.
He served the University of Tennessee in several ways. He was a clinical instructor in pediatrics, President of the UT College of Medicine Alumni Association 1990-1992, and was a member of the medical school admissions committee for many years.
Joe was proud to call Fountain City home and was named Fountain City Man of the Year in 2004. He was a man of many hobbies and passions. He was an Eagle scout, the oldest of six in the family. He was a loyal UT Vol fan who traveled throughout the country to support the University of Tennessee and held football season tickets since 1962. He and the family showed Saddlebred horses during the 1970's, and Joe returned to the ring again after age 80 to show road ponies. Tennis, golf, and working in the yard were activities in which he found much enjoyment. Joe and Shirley also enjoyed traveling the country and world with friends.
His greatest passions were his faith, family and friends. He always called you "pard," and no matter who he was to you - Joe, Dad, Poppy, Pop, Uncle Joe, Dr. Joe, or Dr. Black - he had a natural way of making you feel special and always cared for whenever you were with him.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and mentor. He will be dearly missed by his wife Shirley; daughter Jan Deaderick; sons Dr. Steven Black (Gainesville, GA) and David Black (New York, NY); daughter-in-law Dr. Monica Black; grandchildren: Richard, Stuart, Laurel, Joseph, Grace, William, Megan, Emily, and Ava; and great-grandsons Robin and Henry. He is also survived by sisters Janice James and Deborah Black; and sister-in-law Betty Dyke; and many loved nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends, and his four-legged best friends Barney Black and Pedro, the pony.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Edward D. Black, and son Dr. Joe W. Black III.
Family and friends will meet at Lynnhurst Cemetery on Friday, June 12 at 3:00 pm for a graveside service with Reverend Tom Ballard officiating. A celebration of Joe's life will be held at a later date.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Christian Homebuilders Sunday School class and many friends for their continued support throughout Joe's illness. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made in Joe's memory to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105) or to a charity of your choice.
Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Black family and invites you to sign the online registry.
Tributes
"Joe was not only a wonderful doctor to our children but a wonderful friend to Bob and me. I'm thankful to remember many fun times together as couples. I know "Hoggie",as Joe called him, was glad to welcome Joe into heaven! My prayers for Shirley and the family. Marilyn Johnson Marilyn Johnson"
"Dr.Joe, a good doctor and loved by everyone who knew him. Eula Tassey"
"Monica and your family, Bill and I are so sorry for your loss especially on top of everything else. I remember when working at St Mary's years ago many praises for Dr. Black. Another comment I want to pass on is in regard to your Joe. My daughter Katherine has neighbors who took their children to Joe and they have such praise for him. Our love to all of you. Linda and Bill Nichols"
"Sincere condolences to the Black family. Dr. Joe was always so kind to our family! He and Dr. Benton took great care of our children and we appreciate it. Love and prayers to all. Richard and Linda Nicley"
"So many good memories of Joe. Fountain City will surely miss him. Betty & Bill Sosna"
"To Dr Black's family, my sincere sympathy and prayers for your comfort during this time. Dr Black was a wonderful doctor and person, and I appreciate so much his compassionate and expert care for my 2 children during the 80's and 90's. He was a friend and encourager to me also. May God bless you all. "
"Prayers for the family and friends Dr. Joe is our doctor since 1962 I believe he was a friend of the family and was so good to all of us he was even my children?s baby Dr. when they were little his son Dr. Joe and Monica were my children?s doctors as well we have Dr. Joe so sorry for your loss he always made us smile prayers"
"I was sorry to learn about Joe. Dr. Black was a real gentleman and friend. He had a great personality. Tommy Ayres"
"I was sorry to learn about Joe. Dr. Black was a real gentleman and friend. He had a great personality. Tommy Ayres"
"I was sorry to learn about Joe. Dr. Black was a real gentleman and friend. He had a great personality. Tommy Ayres"
"Dr joe Black was a kind and caring physician... you will be In my prayers. Martha (Bushore) Fallis"
"My deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Black. He was a wonderful doctor, the first doctor who saw my tiny premature daughter who is now 29 years old. Dr. Black and Dr. Joe were both incredible doctors who truly made me a better parent. So sorry for your personal loss and the loss to our community."
"Karen and I extend our condolences and prayers. Joe was a great person and a wonderful pediatrician who took care of both of our boys until their teen years. John O'Hara "
"I first met Joe in the late 70's when I came to Knoxville and started working with Harry Herrell. After Harry retired, Joe became my client. We had a wonderful relationship over the years. I had show horses and he had road ponies and we often talked about our equine hobbies. He will be missed."
"Our deepest sympathy to all Peggy and Douglas Wylie Jr"
"May God give you comfort, peace, and serenity during these days. Rev. Jim and Nellie Shanks...Former pastor of St. Paul UMC"
"I was still in college working at Children's Hospital in the PR & Marketing Dept when I got the pleasure of working with Dr. Black. One I remember specifically was writing the booklets for parents and the coloring books for the children about what they were going to experience while hospitalized for their specific condition- he was able to really teach me a lot about medicine and translating that to a parent or a child. He was so helpful and patient when we started the Children's Miracle Network Telethon and Fantasy of Trees as I am following the him and other doctors to get footage and stories. He was an amazing physician and person. I am a better person for having known him. Deepest condolences during this difficult time. "
"Joe and I became good friends as we both used and learned from Harry Herrell, our personal and professional CPA. Joe was always at "the top of his game" and I enjoyed being with him and learning from him. It's a sad time with his passing but he is in a better location and will meet us soon."
"My condolences to his family, he was our family doctor for years."
"Dr. Black was my pediatrician when I was a child. Our family went to the same church and my parents were friends with him and his wife/ family. We moved to Chattanooga when I was 14, I?m 54 now and still see Dr. Black?s soothing smile and kindness in my memories today. My condolences to the family and know that he touched my life many years ago and am thankful that he was my doctor at the earliest part of my life. RIP sir."
"Dr Black was our children's pediatrician until he retired and then Dr Joe took over. He was excellent in every way, always getting our kids well and helping us to not panic, when we had complicated things happening, and even talked to our son spiritually, when he was going through a hard time in teen years! There couldn't be a better pediatrician than him and Dr Joe anywhere! They both will be missed so much! Our prayers are with all the family in the days to come! "
"Dr Black was very special to our family. We met him at St Mary?s Hospital in 1980, after the birth of my first daughter. He and Dr. Joe had such a special way with the children. We will always be grateful for the great care he provided for our daughters. God bless you. The Moses Family"
"We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. David Eakes and Jennie Eakes "
"We were sorry to hear of Dr. Black's passing. What a beautiful tribute to a fine man. He was my family pediatrician growing up and then got to be our first daughter's dr. until he retired. I will always remember, as a new mom, his patience and his smile and encouraging attitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Don and Kelly Summers Dixon"
"Thanks Dr. Joe for all the years of treating and healing our children! I will always be great full for your positive attitude and confidence in me and my family! I owe you and Shirley so much! Thanks again, Dan and Ginger Cockrum"
"We are saddened to hear of Dr. Black's passing. He was a colleague of my late father, Dr. Robert Lewis and a great physician and family friend. Gordon had just about every grandchild in his History class at Central High School ,and both Gordon and I were blessed to be able to work with Jan at Central as well. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go to the family. Gordon and Sally (Lewis) Sisk"
"Dr. Joe was our son?s pediatrician from the day they were born at St. Mary?s hospital until they were adults. He was always kind and encouraging. I can still his reassuring words, ?Momma you?re doing a great job!? He made the world a better place and he will always have a special place in the hearts of our family. Prayers to family and may peace be with you at this time. -Joni Lovegrove and family"
"We are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Black was a wonderful man and doctor. We are very thankful for the great care that he and Dr. Joe always provided to our three children. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Tim & Sharon Irwin "
"So sorry for your loss! He took care of me as a child, and his son took care of my children! Prayers for the family as they go through this difficult time!"
"I just want to say I'm sorry for the loss to the family such a good person. Prayers as you go thru this difficult time. "
"My sincere condolences to the Black family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Dr. Black always had such an infectious smile! What a kind, gentle, and uplifting man - a man of great faith. He will truly be missed. Wayne Erwin"
"Joe was many things to our family: medical school classmate to my deceased husband, Larry Dorsey and owners of Broadway Medical Building, physician to my two sons, and lifelong friend. We will miss you and your wonderful smile. Charlotte K Dorsey."
"Joe was many things to our family: medical school classmate to my deceased husband, Larry Dorsey and owners of Broadway Medical Building, physician to my two sons, and lifelong friend. We will miss you and your wonderful smile. Charlotte K Dorsey."
"My deepest condolences go out to the Black family I'm so sorry for your loss. Dr. Black was a great man, friend and a dang fine pediatrician. He will truly be missed R.I.P. Dr. Black"
"Prayers for your family. Dr. Black was a kind and caring doctor. He was the pediatrician for my three children. I saw his christian faith in our church. A great man who really made a difference in this world. God speed Dr Black. You will be missed. "
"I am sorry for your loss. Dr. Black was a great doctor and will be missed. "
"I?m sorry to hear of Dr. Black?s passing. I worked as a nurse in pediatrics at St. Mary?s for years and worked with him. He was a wonderful pediatrician and was great to work with. Please accept my sympathies. I?ll be praying for the rest of the family in the coming days. I?m so sorry the family is suffering this loss. "
"So sorry to hear about Dr.Black praying for you all"
"Our deepest sympathy to all."
"My deepest sympathy. "
"Joe was a wonderful man whom I admired so much. I was so fortunate to have known him. He will be remembered fondly. "
"I remember a competent and caring physician for my children, and a doctor who volunteered to go with my group to Haiti. Will be sadly missed by all who knew him."
"One of the finest men I knew. Prayers for some great friends."
"One of the kindest men I?ve had the pleasure to meet. Rest eternal, Dr. Joe. God?s peace to his family."
"I had the privilege of working with both old and young Joe. They were both caring professionals who gave much to there community. Dr. Harvey Kaufman"
"Dr. Black Jr and Dr Black III were my kids doctor since 1968. There are no better people Drs or human beings that I have ever encountered. They will be greatly missed though it be temporarily. my prayers to the family. Judye Gribble & family?"
"Our deepest sympathy for your loss. When I was a very young mom he showed me kindness and compassion. Our prayers for the family "
"Sympathy for your loss. Your loss is a loss for Fountain City as well. He was a caring man, as well as a wonderful doctor."
"I?m so sorry to hear of your loss. He was such a kind and caring man. He did his part to make the world a better place,"
"I am so sorry for your loss. He was the kind of physician we aspire to be, kind to everyone, and he practiced with joy in his heart. Dr Joe was a true gentleman. Love and prayers for your family"
"I'm so very sorry to hear about Dr. Black. He took good care of my little sister and I when we were kids. My prayers and love go out to his family. He was a kind man."
"Dr Black was pediatrician for my two boys many years ago. They are now grown men but still fondly remember Dr. Black. You never forget a great and kind doctor. Thank you Dr. Black. May he Rest In Peace. A really good man. Bunny Creasman"
"He was my Pediattricisn and my daughters before he retired! Dr. Joe was my kids Dr. as well 2 of the most wonderful Drs. I?ve ever known!"
"My sincerest condolences to all."
"I worked with Dr Black for years. I enjoyed working with him. We worked hard but we also laughed a lot. We rode him about leaving the toilet seat up all the time. Years ago when he played golf at lunch he never could make it back until 2:30 when he was during back at 2:00. He would hit that back door and came down the hall a flying to get started. I would kid with him that he couldn?t tell time and he would just laughed at. He was my employer but more than that he was my friend. Brenda Dugger"
"To the Black Family, Dr. Black was an amazing doctor. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I know the past year has been rough. Praying for comfort and strength during this time. Prayers, Greg, Kathy, and Andrew Collins"
"To the Black family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Joe was a wonderful man and I was very fortunate to know him and his wonderful family. Linda Chatham"