Albert Reid Black, Jr. of Lake Wylie, SC passed away on June 25, 2026. He was born on April 4, 1946 in Charlotte, NC to Julia Vaughn Willmann and Dr. Albert Reid Black, Sr.  

Reid was a graduate of Myers Park High School and Western Carolina University. As a professional, Reid spent more than 30 years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the state of NC. In that role he helped hundreds of individuals who needed life skills and health care to live their lives well.  For decades, his ”second job” was delivering The Charlotte Observer. He woke daily at 4:00am to pick up papers and run his route, a testament to his dedicated work ethic.  

Reid was compassionate and thoughtful. He loved dancing and music, and sang along with a resonate baritone voice to songs that were always playing. Reid was a man in constant motion which served him well whether he was working in his yard or house. He “collected” plants and trees for the yard like an antique dealer who collected old things. Speaking of antiques, he loved them all -- glassware, marbles, trains, album covers, and toys.  

When he was not planting a new Japanese maple or buying another beautiful vase, he was working on the house. Reid could build or repair anything with a mixture of skill and imagination. He loved living lake life and all its adventures. Lots of memories and pictures serve as proof that when he was behind the wheel of a boat, he was a man in his natural environment.  

Most of all, Reid loved Betty Ann deeply. She was the true center of all he did in life. After Betty Ann's death in December 2025, he missed her daily. Together Reid and Betty Ann loved to travel -- to the beach, the mountains, or any adventure they could imagine, and these vacations often included family and friends. 

Reid is preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved wife of 40 years Betty Ann Cooper Black; a sister Vickie MacDonald; and his “chosen family” Rex and Jennie Easterly.  

He is survived by his daughter Elizabeth Smith (Richard) of Dallas, TX, and grandchildren Abby and Greg; son James Reid Black (Maria Grace Edwards) of Lake Wylie, and grandson Elijah James Black; nephew Reid McFarland (Neil) of Portland, OR; and sister-in-law Tonya Easterly Vickery (Jeffrey) of Cullowhee, NC, and her daughters Elizabeth (Elliott) and Ally (AJ). 

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 14 at M.L. Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Lake Wylie, SC at 3:00pm with visitation beginning in the same location at 2:00pm. Revs. Tonya and Jeffrey Vickery officiating. 

M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Lake Wylie, SC, is serving the family of Mr. Black.

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