Richard Allen Black, age 66 of Birmingham, passed away on February 5, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Black, and Frances Ware. He is survived by his wife Susan Black; his brothers David and Mike Black; his sons Robert and Ryan Black; and his 5 grandchildren Tyler, Kate Ryan, Samuel, Kadence, and Sara Rose Black. Richard graduated from Auburn University in 1973 where he was a distinguished military student. He was commissioned to Second Lieutenant US Regular Army, Comandants List Infantry Officer Basic Course, with a US parachutest badge. Richard was stationed in Ft. Huachuca AZ, Army Communications Command, Commanded Ft. Huachuca Salute Battery, Company B Troop Command, HHC Troop Command. Platoon Commander for Honor Guard President Gerald Ford USA. He also received the Luis Echeverria Alvarez Mexico National Defense Service Medal, the Meritorias Service Medal. He served as area specialist officer 20th Special Forces Group Airborn, promoted to Captain and served as HHC Company Commander 20th Special Forces Group Airborn through 1980. Richard was co-owner and owner of G.T. Higginbotham Company Inc since 1977. The family will receive friends on Friday February 9 from 9-10am at Prince of Peace Catholic Church with a memorial service following at 10:00 a.m.

Published in The Birmingham News on Feb. 9, 2018