John Luther Black

August 10, 1949 John Luther Black was born to LC and Adell Smith Black in Raleigh, MS. He passed away peacefully at his home in Forest, MS on February 20, 2025. Visitation will be held Monday, February 25 from 5-8pm at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Forest. A second visitation will be held Tuesday from 9-10, followed by funeral services at 10am. Graveside services, military honors, and burial will follow in Lingle Cemetery in Pulaski, MS. Bro. Tam Maddox and Bro. Mickey Walls will officiate. 

He was the 2nd child and the 1st son out of 5 children. John was raised on a farm that included chickens, cows, and pigs. He graduated from Burns High School. Most people know him as Luther. Growing up he loved to hunt, fish, ride his horse and loved to read, especially The Holy Bible.

December, 1968 John went to the United States Air Force Recruiter in Jackson, Mississippi and joined the United States Air Force. Just a few weeks after joining the Air Force he received a draft notice from the United States Army. John called the Air Force recruiter and wanted to know what to do. The recruiter told him to throw it away because he was in the United States Air Force.

During one of his leaves, John decided to take his time and take in the sights. Ever so often, John would notice a big black car on his tail. At times the car would fall back and then gain up. When John got to the Forest exit the car backed off. When he got home, he found out that his dad had contacted Representative Dick Livingston who in return contacted the FBI and that is who was in the big black car!

John was in the Vietnam War and was the crew chief on the B-52 Bombers (jet over 2 engines).

After his discharge from the Air Force in May, 1975 John decided to further his education at Jones County Junior College where he received 2 degrees; (1) in Automotive Mechanic and (1) in Automotive Machinist. After graduating he then did carpentry work with George Marler Construction. One of the jobs they did was building a new group camp kitchen at Roosevelt State Park. It was there where he met the love of his life, Susan Rhodes. They dated 2 and ½ months and eloped and were married March 7, 1979. This year would have been their 46th wedding anniversary. Later on during his life he did mechanic, maintenance, chicken farmer, land surveyor and cruising timber, and armed security. John was a "Jack of all trades". He could do most anything.

He loved the outdoors and flowers. He also loved the Lord and his family. John was also a jokester and he loved to joke around and loved a good joke. He was Baptist by faith and baptized while a young boy. He was preceded in Death by his parents, LC and Adell Black, siblings, Bill, Dale, and Frank Black. He is survived by his loving wife Susan Black, sister, Mary Wall, and a host of nieces and nephews.