Elder O'Harold Black
1945 - 2022
"I've Come This far by Faith, Leaning on the Lord"

Elder O'Harold Black, along with his siblings, were raised in a loving home by their God-fearing parents, Daisy Black Chandler and Perry Chandler. He was a Vietnam Veteran who served honorably in the United States Army. Except for the time that he spent in the military, Elder Black resided in Havana (Gadsden County), Florida for his entire life. He was preceded in death by both parents; his sister: Dorothy Black, three brothers: Carl Don Chandler, Richard Chandler and Lawrence Chandler.

Early in his life, Elder Black formed a close relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This life changing experience gave him much joy, as well as the opportunity to begin his work for Him. Elder Black faithfully served at Old Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Havana, Florida where he was ordained as a Deacon and ultimately became the Chairman of the Board of Deacons. He began preaching the Gospel on November 15, 1992 and eventually pastored two churches: New Canaan Baptist Church in Havana and John the Baptist Missionary Baptist Church in Bainbridge, Georgia. A few years ago, Elder Black was led by the Holy Spirit to become a member and Associate Minister of the Pineland Missionary Baptist Church in Madison, Florida under the pastoral leadership of his son, Pastor O'Hara C. Black.

Elder Black possessed a great desire to help others as he passed along this way, so his living would not be in vain. The Lord empowered him to mentor many young men within his community. Additionally, for over 30 years, he helped others experience recovery from addiction through his involvement with Narcotics Anonymous.

Before his retirement, Elder Black taught Culinary Arts for 20 years at Lively Vocational Technical College. He was also a restaurant proprietor and the "go to" caterer for everyone's special occasion, including weddings, family reunions and banquets. He was also a very skilled cake decorator and floral designer.

One of Elder Black's greatest joys in life was working on his farm in the fresh air and sunshine and looking after his animals. He was well known as the "Sausage Man" and earned bragging rights as the expert in making "the best sausage a person would ever try!"

Elder O'Harold Black was called from labor to reward as he answered the Master's call on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. His legacy of benevolence, servitude, and agape love will forever be embedded in the hearts of all whose lives he impacted.

Relying on the faithfulness of God, while cherishing the fond memories of Elder Black's well-lived life are his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Essie Mae Black; daughter: Angelia (Issac) Williams; sons: Pastor O'Hara (Misha) Black and Keith Black; brother: Glen Chandler; adopted sister: Lillian Walker; mother-in-law: Mamie Wright; sisters-in-law: Ella Chandler and Ethel White; brothersin-law: Cordell White and Dwight Anthony Mustafa LeVant; grandchildren: Shantierria Oliver, Quavonta Mazion, Harrison Black, Harmanie Black and Jay Henry; great-grandchildren: Ava Harris and Elexis Conley; aunts: Geraldine Black and Annette Black; the entire Holton family; godsons: Kenya Holton, Kelly Hendley and Ron Frye; a host of nieces and nephews; as well as loving relatives, sorrowful friends, and mournful neighbors.