Earl M. "Bud" Black Jr.

Mr. Earl M. "Bud" Black Jr., of Newport departed this life on Monday, December 26, 2016, at the age of 66. He was born July 26, 1950, in Newport as the first of three sons born to Earl M. "Buddy" Black Sr., and Lois Gist Black. Bud loved his hometown of Newport and was a loyal supporter of the city of Newport and one of the biggest fans the Newport Greyhounds have ever had. Bud was a 1968 graduate of Newport High School where he was voted "Most Likely to be Remembered." In high school, he played football and ran track for the Greyhounds. Bud's love of sports broadcasting and radio began at an early age; at 13 years old, he began announcing the play-by-play of the local basketball games on KNBY~KOKR radio station. Bud started working for the radio station as a gopher for Mr. Gene Howe. Mr. Howe often remarked, "I gave Little Bud the microphone, and he never gave it back." Mr. Al Evans was also a great radio mentor to Bud; he taught him "how to sell," a skill that Bud finely honed and used throughout his working career. Following his high school graduation, Bud was awarded the Arkansas Radio Broadcasting Association's Ted Rand Memorial Scholarship, which led him to Arkansas State University to further his education. There he met Miss Jayne Joan Pingel, and the couple was married on August 21, 1970. Together they enjoyed 46 years and many adventures together. He graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1976. Bud was a fierce competitor, and that competitive nature led him through many successful business ventures. His radio career that began at KNBY~KOKR continued as he worked at Truman KTMN~AM, Walnut Ridge KRLW and KXJK in Forrest City. Bud also became an agent for New York Life for several years. In the final decades of his working career, he and his brother David ventured together into the business of Nanny's Bakery, Riverboat Real Estate, and Cable 15, which brought his Al Evans selling skills, his vast radio experience, and various talents to local television. Bud was very involved in civic life. He was a member of the Civil Service Commission, Newport Investment Club, Chairman of the Newport Schools Alumni Charitable Foundation Board, Newport Greyhound Booster Club, and was in charge of the American Legion Baseball Program from 1978 to the mid 1980s. Bud's love for sports was contagious. Jayne said when the two were a young couple living in Forrest City, the neighbor children would come over and want Bud to come out and play. His love for children grew even more with the arrival of each of his nephews and great nephews. He loved each of them as his very own. Bud's kind and generous spirit has made him a natural father figure to many young men. He was a devoted member of the Immanuel Baptist Church, where he formerly served as a mentor and sponsor of the Royal Ambassadors Boys Group. The town of Newport has lost one of its favorite sons. As so many have said, he was truly a rare treasure, the likes of which will not be seen again. That booming "Voice of the White River Valley" and his famous line, "Thiiiiiissss is Bud Black, the Voice of the Newport Greyhounds" will be forever a treasured memory of our dear friend. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl M. "Buddy" Black Sr., on February 25, 1980, and by his mother, Lois Gist Black on April 2, 2009. Bud is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jayne Joan Pingel Black of the home; two brothers, Kenneth Gist "Kenny" Black Sr., and wife, Cindy, of Jonesboro, and David Wallace Black and wife, Linda, of Newport; four nephews, Kenneth Gist Black Jr., and wife, Ashten, Jason Earl "Jase" Black, Benjamin Earl "Ben" Black and wife, Kelsey, and Grant Thomas Black; and three great-nephews, Gunnar Abel Newman, Nolan Dean Black, and Benjamin Maxwell "Max" Black; and a lifetime of friends who considered Bud a part of their families. Friends may visit at the funeral home, Wednesday, December 28, 2016, 6 p.m. to 8: p.m. Funeral service will be Thursday, December 29, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Ken Black Jr., Jase Black, Ben Black, Grant Black, Marcus Simpson, John Lassiter, and Sam Lassiter Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Sam Lassiter Sr., Benny Abraham, Freeman Travis, John Pennington, and the Newport High School Class of 1968. Memorials may be made to the Newport School District Charitable Foundation, c/o Mrs. Melissa Kieffner, P.O. Box 166, Newport, Arkansas 72112; Jackson County Humane Society, P.O. Box 154, Newport, Arkansas 72112; Newport Greyhound Booster Club, P.O. Box 1684, Newport, Arkansas 72112; or the Immanuel Baptist Church, 400 State Street, Newport, Arkansas 72112. To leave a condolence message, light a memorial candle, or sign the online guest register, please visit our website at www.jacksonsfh.com. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home.