We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." II Corinthians 5:8

Allen Fort Black, Jr., the eldest son of the late Allen Fort Black, Sr. and Juliette Wallace Black, was born July 8, 1950 in Saint Stephen, South Carolina.

Allen, affectionately called "Bubba" by his family and close friends, accepted Christ at an early age and attended St. Paul United Methodist Church, what is presently Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church. While in New York, he fellowshipped at times with the Friendly Baptist Church on Ogden Avenue, Bronx, New York.

Allen enjoyed watching The Cooking Channel but loved watching sports. Whatever the season, he watched— football, basketball and baseball. The New York Yankees was no doubt his favorite baseball team! He also enjoyed gospel music and gospel shows on television, especially the Stellar Awards. Allen enjoyed every opportunity to fellowship with family and friends.

He was educated in the public schools of Berkeley County and was a graduate of Russellville High School Class of 1968. After graduation, he obtained a job at the Charleston Inn downtown Charleston, S.C. He remained there approximately one year. He then decided to relocate to New York City, New York. During his 53 years in the state of New York, he was employed with several companies; retiring in 2015 from CBS Outdoors, a subcontractor of New York Transit.

Allen met and later married Pearl McCray on February 25, 1972. They made their home in Bronx, New York. Allen and Pearl celebrated 50 years of marriage (Golden Anniversary) February 25, 2022.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen F. Sr. and Juliette W. Black, his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Florence B. Wallace Campbell, and his grandson Master Paul Yarwood. Allen transitioned into eternal life with the Lord August 30, 2022.

Those left to cherish his memory are: his wife of 50 years, Pearl M. Black; children, Ronald (Renee') Livingston, Allandra McCray, Antrone McCray and Allen Jermaine Black all of Bronx, New York; one granddaughter, reared in the home, Taniah Horton, five other grandchildren, Lyniesha Black of Kingstree, South Carolina, Ja'Don Black of Saint Stephen, South Carolina, Leah Livingston of Bronx, New York, Nico Black of Long Island, New York and Allyniece Black of Bronx, New York; siblings, Loretta B. (Lucious) Gamble, Zinna B. (Samuel) Ravenell, Sheila B. (Alton) Winns, Rinnes A. Black and Velma B. (Joe) Wilson all of Saint Stephen, South Carolina; brothers-in-law, Emmanuel (Bessie) McCray, Ulysses (Deloris) McCray and Herman McCray all of Salters, South Carolina; one surviving aunt, Lillian B. Black of Perry, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be held Tuesday, September 13, 2022, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Gethers St. Stephen Chapel, 221 Church Road, St. Stephen, SC. Face masks are required. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, September 14, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Christ Fellowship Church, 1055 Graham Street, St. Stephen, SC. Interment will be in Tri Churches Cemetery, St. Stephen, SC.