Thomas “Tommy” Black, 51, Gray, passed away at the Johnson City Medical Center Wednesday, October 10, 2012, surrounded by his family, following a brief illness.

He was a native of Fort Benning, GA, and was a son of Wayne L. Black and Ilse Painter.

Tommy attended Daniel Boone High School and was employed for several years at TPI Corporation. He retired from Banta Color Graphics. Tommy was of the Baptist faith. He was an avid NASCAR fan and a diehard Jeff Gordon fan. He loved sports, music and animals.

Tommy was always willing to help his neighbors in need and loved his family and friends very much.

He was preceded in death by his niece, Deanna Leah Bentley, in 2006; Great Grandparents, Wilhelm and Elizabeth Hedrich, of Germany; Grandparents, Helen and Jess Campbell, of Pennsylvania; Grandfather, David Black; Grandmother, Marga Imschweiler, of Germany; and several aunts and uncles of Pennsylvania and Germany.

Survivors include his father, Wayne L. Black and wife, Kathy, Beckley, West Virginia; mother, Ilse Painter and husband, James Stinson, Gray; four sisters, Shirley “Squirrel” Harvey, Gray, Karen Cain Black and Carol Black, both of Jonesbourough, Lisa Black, of Gray; one brother, Woody Painter and wife, Jeannie, Gray; special Great nephew, Caden Bentley; Nieces and Nephews, Summer, Michael, Tessa, Erica and Jonathon.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the nurses of the second floor and ICU at the Johnson City Medical Center.

The funeral service for Tommy Black will be conducted Friday, October 12, at 8:00 P.M. in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Fox and Rev. Mack Presnell officiating.

The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M.

The graveside service will be conducted Saturday at 2:00 P.M. at Washington County Memory Gardens. Those wishing to attend are requested to meet at the funeral home by 1:30 P.M. on Saturday to proceed to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Woody Painter, Michael Bentley, Eugene Harris, Travis Williams, Dillon Hawkins, Cody Honeycutt, Robert Weaver and John Fitzgerald. Honorary pallbearers will Gene Presnell, James Stinson, Carol Black and Wayne Shadden.

Friends may visit anytime at Tommy’s mother’s house, 139 Valley Circle, Gray, TN.

Condolences may be sent online at appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 800 East Watauga Avenue, is serving the Black family.