Thomas O. Black Jr.'s Obituary
Thomas Oscar Black, Jr., 96, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born August 25, 1926 in Glenwood, Arkansas to Bertie Lenora and Thomas Oscar Black, Sr. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Guymon, Oklahoma where he grew up. Tom proudly served his country as a Private First Class in the 43rd Infantry Division of the Army, stationed in the Southwest Pacific. In 1952, he graduated with a Civil Engineering degree from Oklahoma A & M where he was a loyal member of Sigma Nu fraternity. After meeting in college, he married the love of his life, Mary Lou Armstrong, in July 1952. They were happily married for 66 years before her passing in June, 2019.
Tom started his career with Cities Service Oil Company; after several moves, finally settling in Tulsa in 1963. After 40 years in the oil industry, he started a second 25-year career in residential real estate. Tom was a servant leader, active in both his church and his community. Through the years, he was involved in Kiwanis Club, Key Club, Cities Service Oil Company Retirees, Habitat for Humanity, New Haven United Methodist Church and Choir, Miss Oklahoma Pageant Scholarship Board, OSU Alumni Association, and Red Cross Blood/Platelet Donor, to name a few. He always participated with his entire heart, not only joining but being a tireless, enthusiastic leader. Tom’s passions touched thousands of lives and were well exhibited by setting up over 10 Key Clubs in Tulsa area high schools and donating over 52 gallons of blood for patients near and far.
Tom is survived by his two daughters, Cynthia Bryant and husband, Joe, and Megan Zimmerman and husband, Joe. In addition, he is survived by four granddaughters who lovingly referred to him as “Tommy”. They include Whitney Bryant Rahim and her husband, Anand, and their three children, Caroline, Hugh, and Sam; Paige Bryant Bryce and her husband, Joey, and their three children, Peyton, Sterling, and Stetson; Hayley Zimmerman Creecy and her husband, Chris, and their two children, Harper and Sophie; and Abby Zimmerman Stevens and her husband, Nathan, and their two children, Fletcher and Jaxon.
There has never been a more optimistic man than Tom, committed to faith, family, patriotism, community service, and OSU sports. His last selfless act was to donate his body to science. We have all been blessed to know and love him!
A celebration of his life is scheduled for Saturday, February 4, at 11:00 a.m. in the Warren Chapel at Montereau, 6800 South Granite Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making a donation to the charity of your choice in Tom’s memory.
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