Clarence R. Black quietly passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 following a lengthy illness.

He was a faithful member of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church. Mr. Black was the oldest member of the church family.

Clarence proudly served his country during WWII as a member of the 4th Marine Infantry Division of the United States Marine Corps.

He was retired from Stokely Van-Camp.

Mr. Black was preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Black, mother-in-law and father-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Walter Douglas, sister-in-law Myrtle Hawkins, and granddaughter Andi Balch.

Mr. Black is survived by his wife of 71 years Farrie Douglas Black of the home; daughter Donna Balch of Newport; granddaughters Abby Balch and Amy Quinton, both of Newport; beloved great-grandson Seth Moore, who was the joy of his life; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Dorothy and Bill Hobbs, Corona, CA.

Mr. Black will be dearly missed by his countless friends, neighbors, church family, and Sunday School class.

The family would like to thank Karen Begines, Donna Hall, Melissa Sisk, Gerrie May, and Melinda Gentry for the wonderful and compassionate care they all gave to both Mr. Black and his wife.

The family also wishes to thank Tammy Francis and Glen Bradley of Smoky Mountain Home Health Care and Hospice for their graciousness.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 25, 2009, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church with the funeral service to follow at 1:30 p.m. with Dr. Rich Lloyd and Dr. Craig Ward officiating. Burial will be in Union Cemetery immediately after the service.

Active pallbearers will be Charles McNabb, Larry Pace, Dennis Walker, Terry Ball, Tunney Moore, Alvin Watts, Frank Strickler, and David Roberts. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Men's Sunday School class at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church Building Fund, 234 Lincoln Avenue, Newport, TN 37821 and/or First Baptist Church of Newport, 261 East Broadway, Newport, TN 37821.

Family and friends may sign the guest register on-line at www.manesfuneralhome.com.

Manes Funeral Home is in charge.