David Lee Black

David Lee Black passed from this life and into his Father's kingdom on October 19, 2013 in his beloved hometown of Rankin, TX.
David Lee was born on September 16, 1954 in Taylor, TX to Frazier "Bubba" and Berdine Black. He was fortunate to be born into a family with loving parents and brothers and sisters who would always share a special bond. David Lee attended his early childhood at Reagan County ISD and his high school years at Rankin ISD where he excelled in basketball, football, and baseball. He was a proud Red Devil his entire life, and he was a faithful fan. You could always find David Lee on the Rankin football field on a Friday night, working on the chain gang. He married Martha Abalos on August 28, 1976, and they were blessed with four children: Denisa, John David, Whitney, and Markus. His family was the most cherished part of this life. He always supported his children in all they did, and was blessed to be able to do the same for his grandsons Derron and Devin, and his precious granddaughter Demry Gatewood. He worked for Halliburton for many years and also for the last 20+ years he worked faithfully for Rancher's Supply, but his most beloved and enjoyable job was always volunteering as a fire fighter. He selflessly gave his time to help his fellow neighbors that were in distress. Anyone who ever met David Lee quickly became his friend. He had the best talent of making everyone around him feel welcome and special. His family will always remember his big laugh that he was known for that put a smile on everyone's face and the jokes he would tell and always laughed before he could finish the joke. He also loved to try his luck whether it was scratching tickets and meeting friends at the local Stripes or traveling to play bingo – where he usually won. He was well loved by his whole family and the community of Rankin, TX.
David Lee was preceded in death by his father, Frazier Black; mother, Berdine Black; sister, Eula Faye Black and Diann Black; three brothers, Frazier Black, Larry Black, and Dennis Black.
He is survived by his lifetime partner of 32 years, Martha Abalos Black, children, Denisa Gatewood and husband Kevin and their children Derron, Devin, and Demry of Odessa, TX, his son John David Black and his wife Carrie of Houston, TX, daughter Whitney Black and finance Joe Hernandez of Big Lake, TX, and Markus Black of Rankin, TX. His surviving siblings are Willie Black and wife Dora of Big Lake, TX, Ernest Black and wife Tamra of San Antonio, TX, brother Johnny Ray Black of Lake Jackson, sister Marie Parker and husband David Parker of Big Lake, TX. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and countless friends. His friend that was always standing near like a brother was Tommy Miller.
Funeral Services will be Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 11:00am at the First Baptist Church of Rankin. Following the services he will be laid to rest at the Rankin Cemetery.

• Viewing will be Monday, October 21, 2013 at Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home in Crane, Texas from 2pm-8pm
• A remembrance ceremony will be Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 7pm at the First Baptist Church of Rankin.

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see. If the sun should rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me. I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today, while thinking of the many things, we didn't get to say. If tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart."