Raeford Black

Bishop Raeford L. “Ray” Black, age 75, of 154 Woodlawn Drive, Petersburg, WV went to his Heavenly Home on Sunday at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV.

Bishop Black was born on December 12, 1945 in Winnsboro, S. C. and was a son of the late Franklin Douglas Black Sr. and Louise Annie (Hudson) Black. 

Bishop Ray Black is survived by his wife, Yvonne Black, one son, Raeford Leonard “Lenny” Black II of Burien, WA; one daughter Dr. Michelle Sheri (Black) Braden and husband Steven Braden of Charlottesville, VA; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren; one sister, Sandra Quimby of California and one brother, Franklin D. Black Jr. of South Carolina. 

Bishop Ray and his wife, Pastor Yvonne Black were faithful pastors of the Petersburg Church of God the past three years. He was police chaplain for several years in Ontario, California as well as Williamsburg, Pennsylvania.  He was always known as a very generous and kind-hearted man. When one hears the saying, "he would give you the shirt off his back", this statement could not be more true than it was with Bishop Black. There were times people would complement something he was wearing, such as a watch or a jacket. People have witnessed him (many times) take off whatever the person just complimented him on and give it to them. He completely believed in righteousness, however, he was never harsh.  Rather he was always kind, loving and tender in his approach and his message.

 Graveside service will be conducted Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 3:00 PM in Maple Hill Cemetery, 300 North Main Street, Petersburg, WV 26847 with Administrative Bishop Daniel Hampton, Reverend Kim Swindell and Bishop Douglas Bowers officiating.

Those who wish to remember Bishop Black in a special way, may make gifts in memory to his wife, Yvonne Black, 154 Woodlawn Drive, Petersburg, WV 26847.

Please be prepared to adhere to all CDC guidelines concerning face coverings and social distrancing.  

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