On Sunday, September 4th 2022, George Fain Black was found unresponsive at the age of 96. George had recently suffered from a mild heart attack, some 24 years after his quadruple by-pass that gave him an extended life. It is safe to say that George lived a full life.
George’s name represents the three family names that settled Texas. George is a direct descendant from James George who fell in the fall of the Alamo. Black’s Fort today outside of Austin, Texas is only remnants of what it used to be, but is protected by the State of Texas.
Born in Canyon, Texas in January 1926, he lived through the great depression, the dust bowl through high school where he excelled in sports and academics. His nickname was
Georgi Porgi.” George was also a Life Scout, but could not complete his Eagle requirements due to World War II. After graduating from high school, along with life-long friends enlisted in the US Navy to serve during WWII. George was a radio-man serving on the USS Benjamin Franklin, CV-13, also known as “Big Ben” and the “ship that wouldn’t die.” George served on other vessels during his military career and found himself back in Pearl Harbor, and was the radio-man that took the message that the war had ended. George earned various medals and awards.
After the war, George enrolled at the West Texas State University and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. George was very active in Campus politics and veterans affairs. George is an Alpha Tau Omega, formerly known as Tri-Tau.
After college, George went to work for Texas Employers Insurance which began his 40 year career in Insurance claims. In his early career, George found himself in Florida and met Betty Jo Meadows and married. After their first child was born, Georganne, they returned to West Texas where George met George Bush Sr. At this time, George and George Bush Sr were engaged in business and political aspirations. Their second child Gregory was born in Odessa, Texas.
George then moved to the Houston office for Texas Employers as the District Claims Manager. Once again, George Bush Sr appeared and George was his political advisor when George Bush Sr was elected in the House of Representatives in 1966.
After 40 years of service, George retired from Texas Employers and started his own company G&B Claims Consulting, where he worked until his mid 80’s. George was a Houston Hero and an intrical part of the booming business scene in Houston. He proudly served with the Rotary Club, SCORE, and other organizations.
George is survived by his sister Evelyn Denton, his children, Georganne and Gregory, his grandchildren Jordan and Zachary.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Black family or to Greg at Gregblack@live.com
Thank you for your service Mr. Black…My Dad proudly served with you on the Franklin…I would like to think you both passed each other at some point during the Franklins ordeal…R I P AMERICAN HERO….
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