Donald (Sr.) Black

Donald Black, Sr. was born on October 6, 1958 in Cleveland, Ohio to Luther Roddy, Sr. and Edna Jordan.

To capture the true essence of Donald Black, Sr. you have to mention words like survivor, fighter, strategist, hustler, explorer, charmer, artist, master and alchemist. He left a big impression on everyone he came into contact with. He was very gifted in anything that involved thinking. At the age of 10 he would learn the game of pool and wow his opponents and watchers. Donald was also a master chess player. His ability to win in these very strategic and heavy mind-thinking games was very impressive and he carried over his “how-to-win” blueprint into life.

In addition to loving the game of pool and chess, Donald was a skater. As a teenager he worked as a skating guard at the Blue Goose, a popular skating rink in Cleveland. Here, he would meet the mother of his child, Mae Johnson. In 1980, the couple would welcome Donald Black, Jr. into the world. And certainly, as a father, “Big Don” would teach his son how to survive and make and aim and create and win.

“Red” as they called him, also loved his bike. When he was younger, he spent a lot of time riding with his twin sister Donna Jean. The pride he took in taking care of his things was a beautiful thing to see. He would spend hours working on and cleaning his bike. He lined his hats up with purpose and pleasure. He sharpened his tools with dignity. He constantly told his son how proud he was of him. He could make anything out of anything. He was an expert at everything he did whether it was good or bad.

The hard lessons in Donald’s life resulted in him taking extreme pleasure in the simple things. He loved to people watch because it gave him a sense of freedom. He also loved the outdoors because it represented the opposite of confinement for him. He truly enjoyed going down to the water with his loving partner, Anne Bradley. Together, they spent a lot of time playing cards and chess and just simply talking and enjoying each other’s company.  

On Saturday, November 16, 2019, Donald Black, Sr. was suddenly called home to rest. In his final days, he spent special time with his younger brother, Luther Roddy, Jr. Donald always made a very memorable impression on people. The news of his untimely death put a dent in many people’s hearts including, family, friends and the community. Hundreds of reactions and comments were made on social media noting Donald as a “favorite customer,” “cool dude,” and “one hell of a pool shooter.” 

He was preceded in death by his father, Luther Roddy, Sr. and mother, Edna Jordan. His following siblings also preceded him in death: Lloyd Robertson, Beverly Holman, Renee Sharp and Brenda Hilliard. He leaves to cherish his loving memory to his uncle, Donald Jorndan; partner Anne Bradley; twin sister, Donna Jean Black; Mae Johnson; son, Donald Black, Jr. (Ali); Foy Dawkins, Andretta & Tommie Ware; brother, Luther Roddy Jr. (Belkys) and sister Shiela Woods; niece, Deatra C. Sharp and a host of other loving family members & friends.     

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