John Franklin Black Jr.

John Franklin Black, Jr., of Salem, passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, May 5, 2018. He was born June 16, 1937. He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years Jane Gilreath Black. He is survived by his sister Ann Black and her spouse Kaye Wachsmuth; four children, Pam Beckner (Tim), John F. Black, III (Karen), Susan Stinnett (David), and Brian (Susan); 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and his cat Jake. John Black graduated from Greenville High School (South Carolina) and Ringling School of Art (Florida). He enjoyed a long career as a self-employed restoration artist working from his home studio in Salem until the time of his death. He was a longtime member of the Westside Church of Christ in Salem. He was an avid reader who loved animals and enjoyed painting and gardening. No service or memorial at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in his memory to Good Samaritan Hospice who provided great comfort when he lost his wife Jane to breast cancer in 1993 and to WVTF Public Radio. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.Interment Location

M & W Corporation, DBA John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home and Crematory

305 Roanoke Blvd Salem, VA 24153