Early Sunday morning, February 10, 2019, we said goodbye to a kind-hearted and devoted son of our Heavenly Father. George Elliot Black completed his earthly mission surrounded by those he loved most, his family. Born on December 29, 1933, to Elliot R. Black and Ina Mary Atkin, George was one of three children. Later, at the age of seven, he lost his mother suddenly. Growing up in Tooele Utah with his father, step-mother Agnes Partridge and six siblings, he was no stranger to hard work and knowing how to appreciate the beautiful world around him. As he grew into his teen years dancing was a favorite pass time (best of all, the polka and square-dances). When he wasn’t working hard with his family, gardening or remodeling his home; he could be found enjoying the very best music, only classical music (rock and roll was completely lost on him) or hunting and fishing.
Rather than be drafted after high school, George elected to enlist in the National Guard and would go on to fulfill his eight-year commitment, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) and gaining irreplaceable life experience. A year into his enlistment, George served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Southern States Mission; a time that he says his testimony of the Savior and His gospel grew the most. The Fall of 1958 would find him living in Salt Lake City, Utah attending University of Utah. While living in Salt Lake City, he was a member of the South Eighteenth Ward where, as fate would have it, he would meet his sweetheart, Diana May Larsen. They were married June 3, 1959 in Darby, Idaho and later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in June of 1961. He and Diana welcomed their four children, Ina Marie, Charles Larsen, Maylene, and Gary George into their lives and they became one of his greatest sources of joy.
Though his final days were filled with trials in health, he was constantly found smiling and reminding others to live everyday as the gift that it is. “You just never know when your time will be done.” Preceding him in death were his parents Elliot and Ina Atkin Black, step-mother Agnes Partridge Black, his sister Luana Black Johnson, his son Gary George Black, and his granddaughter Keisha Faith Williams. He will be missed most on earth by his wife, Diana Black and their children Ina (Chris) Williams, Charles Black (Tom Melton & Brian Johansen), Maylene (Dan) McAllister, Jennifer Black, as well as his 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Until we meet again...Sing with the angels and catch all the fish you are able- without any fear of going over the limit! We love you!
Family and Friends are welcome to join us in celebrating George’s life at a Viewing and Funeral to be held Monday February 18, 2019. Viewing will be 9:30-11:30 a.m. and the Funeral will follow at 12 p.m. Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Harmon Ward Building: 4634 W. Harmon Dr. (3700 S.), WVC, UT 84120.
