George Ray Black

Funeral services for George Ray Black, 90, of Joshua, Texas will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Shepherd's Valley Cowboy Church with Pastor Russ Weaver officiating. Burial will follow in Prices Chapel Cemetery.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2025, at Rosser Funeral Home.

George Ray Black, born on March 18, 1935, was adopted by Elizabeth and Aubrey Black on March 18, 1937. A devoted member of the Assembly of God, George dedicated his life to his faith, giving his life to the Lord at the age of 12 and being baptized in a lake.On March 19, 1955, George married the love of his life, Sylvia Patton, in Fletcher, Oklahoma. His family grew to include three children Renee, Deryl and Regina. While stationed in Hawaii they found the perfect addition of four children to complete their family of nine to include Gloria, Margerie, Grace, Gary. He was blessed to have 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. George and Sylvia celebrated 70 wonderful years of marriage in March 2025. Despite being diagnosed with Charcot Marie Tooth Disease at the age of 21, George's resilience and dedication led him to serve in the United States Air Force for 20 years, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant (MSGT). He completed six overseas deployments, including service in the Vietnam War.George pursued higher education at Hardin Simmons University and the Baptist Theological Seminary, which prepared him for his role as a chaplain at the Federal Penitentiary. He also sang bass in a traveling church gospel quartet in his early years and founded the Trinity Prison Ministry, which provided emotional and physical support to inmates during their incarceration and after their release. George's favorite pastimes included working in the yard, camping, and reading his Bible. George was preceded in death by his parents, his son Deryl, grandson Landon and half-brother Gene Johns. 

George is survived by his wife Sylvia, daughters Renee and husband Roger Pollard, Regina and Mike Rains, Majorie, Grace, Gloria, son Gary, half-brother Larry Johns and his half-sister Sandra Johns, 6 grandchildren and 10 great- grandchildren. His legacy of faith, service, and love will be cherished by all who knew him.