William Ernest Black

Mr. William Ernest "Big Ben" Black, 66, independent truck driver, died Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at his residence on Old Williamsport Pike. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at Oakes & Nichols with Elmer Lusk officiating. Burial will be in Concord Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Notes of sympathy may be sent to www.oakesandnichols.com. The Maury County native was the son of the late Herbert "Scrapper" Black and Virginia Johnson Black. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Over the years, as an independent truck driver, he was associated with Farmer Construction Company, B & F Paving Company, and Pressnell Phosphate Company. He also owned and operated The Horsewear Shop, The Tack Shop, and Champion Shoe Shop until ill health forced his retirement. Mr. Black loved working with John Deere tractors, Mack trucks, NASCAR racing, and especially loved his family. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Fay Gray Black of Columbia; daughters, Rose Ann (David) Walls and Molly (Tommy) Benderman of Columbia; grandchildren, Billy Shane Anderson, Dalton Gray Walls, and Thomas Jack Benderman; great-grandchild, Carter Shane Anderson; sisters, Elizabeth Ann Miller of Columbia and Birdie Marie (A. D.) Gilmore of Mt. Pleasant; brother, Franklin (Pearl) Black of Franklin. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Ann Margaret Black and a brother, James Herbert "Jimmy" Black. Active pallbearers are Jeff Baker, Van Boshers, Mike Lynch, Cody Johnson, Ned Pollard, Keith Baker, and Harold Lawson. Honorary pallbearers include Rev. Argine Hughes, Sheriff Enoch George, Gerald Adkisson, Randall Scott, Bo Scott, Dennis Miller, A. D. Gilmore, Mark Werda, Jimmy Curry, Dr. Thomas Dake, Gale Mabry, and NHC Home Health nurses.