Mr. Benjamin Black, Raleigh, was born on December 4, 1939. In his life of over 70 years, he overcame hardships that would have sufficed for 3 lifetimes. A paraplegic, and Parkinson’s disease patient, he was a man who dealt with struggle and lived life well. He was also a husband, brother and uncle.

“Mr. B” loved his Duke Blue Devils, the school of which he proudly attended, as well as his New York Yankees. When they were on television, you knew where his chair could be found. He often enjoyed watching games with family and friends with a glass of red wine or the occasional beer with which to, more often than not, celebrate a Duke or Yankee win!

Lord Alfred Tennyson wrote, “I am a part of all whom I have met.” Benjamin resembles this closely. When he let someone into his beleaguered world of struggle, that person instantly became a part of him. An offer of a handshake, a crooked smile, and a joke or two were always at the ready…and if you were really lucky, a verse or two of a song he might sing while you were in his presence. He loved Eric Clapton and all blues, Elvis, Credence, Bonnie Raitt, and Van Morrison to name just a few, but those were always in his “heavy rotation!”

Mr. B was loved by all who were fortunate enough to be a part of his world. He will be missed, but not forgotten…

“Beyond the door

There's peace, I'm sure

And I know there'll be no more

Tears in heaven.”

--Eric Clapton