Roelaux Daniel Black, Sr., known to family, friends, and co-workers as Dan, Blackie, or Danny, finished his race of life on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the age of 80, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 14, 1944, in Binghamton, New York to Roelaux Willard Black and Erma Lee West Ruffino. He and his wife, Peggy, have permanently resided in Dothan, Alabama since 1985.
Dan pursued a myriad of occupations in his lifetime giving him a multitude of experiences shaping him into the man he became. At 17, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he mastered parachuting, scuba diving, and expert marksmanship. He earned the rank of Sergeant along with multiple medals, badges, and commendations during his 9 years of service before transferring to the United States Army to attain a career in aviation. After serving 14 and a half years as an aviator, earning the rank of CW3 working the ins and outs of aviation, Dan retired from his military service. During his 23 and a half years, he served his country in 6 tours–four in the USMC and two in the US Army–in Vietnam and other locations he was called to go. He loved the USA and was proud to have served her.
Following his military service, Dan (Blackie) finished his college education and began a 19 and a half-year career at Wallace Community College as the Director of Information Systems. He also taught computer classes at both Wallace and Troy University Dothan.
Dan was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to provide for his family. He was a loyal husband to his wife of 57 years, Peggy Jean Black, whom he married February 24, 1968. God blessed them with three children, Roelaux, Shawn, and Bonita, and 4 grandchildren. He surrendered his life to Jesus Christ in 1992 and continued educating himself for the rest of his life in many subjects, including Biblical studies and history. He loved learning about anything and everything he could believing that education never stops with the end of formal schooling.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents and step-parents Roelaux Willard Black (Fannie) and Erma Lee West Ruffino (Ross) along with his two siblings, Joann Vassar (Edward) and Samuel Perry.
Survivors include his wife Peggy J. Black, 3 children: Roelaux Black, Jr (Cate Trammel), Shawn Black, and Bonita Peters (Jim), and 4 grandchildren: Jamie Peters, Alex Peters, Trey Peters, and Rozi Black. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to name. He loved you long and loved you well.
Roelaux D Black, Sr. (Dan) will be laid to rest on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the Selma Baptist Church Cemetery. The funeral will be held at Ward-Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jim Peters presiding. The family will receive guests during his viewing beginning at 10:00am with the service to follow at 11:00am. Please join the family in celebrating his life and continue to pray for them during this time of grief and transition. As a supporter of Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, in lieu of flowers, the family would like you to donate in his memory.
The family also thanks the Critical Care staff of Southeast Health for all of their assistance.
