Leslie "Les" M. Black Jr.

Leslie "Les" M. Black Jr., 79, of Crossett, died October 28, at the Ashley County Medical Center. He was born on June 23, 1938 to his parents Leslie Sr., and Geneva Black. Les was a baptist and an active member of Magnolia Baptist Church and loved his church family dearly. He was a 1957 graduate of Spearsville High School and served four years in the U.S. Navy. Three on the carrier the USS SHANGRI LA and one on the submarine the USS HOWARD W. GILMORE. After discharge in 1961, he moved to Crossett where he made his home. He worked as a barber from 1961 until 1983 and was a member of the Crossett City Council from 1974 to 1982. Les loved politics, and serving the citizens of Crossett. He was elected Mayor of Crossett in 1983 and served until 1995. He also was a member of the Ashley County Fair Board for more than twenty years. Les loved hunting and fishing and was a former member of the Arkansas Trace Hunting Club. He enjoyed his many fishing trips with his favorite fishing buddy and longtime friend, Charles Stell. He enjoyed drinking his coffee with his friends at Andy's, but most of all, Les loved his daughter and his grandchildren. Even though his health was failing, he went on one last vacation to visit and spend time with them. He is preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Nellie Louise Smith and Lena Jean Thurmon. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Louise Black of Crossett; one daughter, Terrie Glidewell of Daytona Beach, Fla.; two grandchildren, Whitney Glidewell of Orlando, FL and Bradley Glidewell of Gainesville, Fla.; one brother, Elmer Black of Mt. Holly, Ark.; and one sister, Elver Carter of Harrell, Ark. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m., on Wednesday, November 1st at Magnolia Baptist Church, 822 Marias Saline Rd, in Crossett with Pastor Mike Griffith officiating, followed by an interment at Pinewood Memorial Park under the direction of Medders Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Larry Thurmon, Bobby Joe Thurmon, Kenny Thurmon, Ricky Carter, Michael Black, and Marty Black. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the church before the service.