It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Roland Eugene Black, a lifelong proud Texan. His childhood in Huntsville, Texas was idyllic. With loving parents and two older brothers, Roland developed a strong work ethic, a witty sense of humor, and love of all people. It was here where he met his future wife and had his first heartbreak when she dumped him in the 6th grade (it all worked out in the end.) As an accomplished Boy Scout, he earned his Eagle Scout and God and Country badges.

He had all kinds of adventures and shenanigans, while developing his very special ability to tell a great story and make throngs laugh at his jokes.

It was as a youth that he received his first instruction on the practice of medicine, accompanying his father on many of his house calls. Following his time at Sam Houston State University, he earned his medical degree at the University of Texas at Galveston. After graduation, he joined his father and brother in general practice in Huntsville. Realizing that working with family is difficult, he decided to specialize as an OB/GYN. He completed his residency in Dallas, and a gynecologic oncology fellowship in San Antonio. In 1971, Roland and his family moved to Dallas, where he opened a private practice with his partners at the newly opened Medical City Dallas Hospital. The high regard with which he is held by his professional peers is evident from the many prestigious posts he held. At Medical City, he held many offices including chairman of the department of surgery and president of the medical staff. He also was on the board of directors for the Dallas County Medical Society, president of the Southwest Gynecological Assembly, president of the Dallas County Medical Society, and delegate to the Texas Medical Association. He trained and mentored new doctors as a clinical professor at UT Southwestern. The apex of his career was receiving the prestigious Max Cole Leadership Award in 2006.

Raised a devout Baptist, he converted to Methodism and was an active member of Schreiber Memorial United Methodist Church for 40 years, where he was a beloved Bible study teacher. Roland was both a proud member and leader in Bible Study Fellowship. As an academic scholar, Roland continued his religious studies at the SMU Perkins School of Theology Master of Liberal Arts Program.

While on the board of East-West Ministries, Roland traveled to Cuba multiple times, sharing his love of Christ.

Roland worked hard and played hard. He traveled to almost every continent, including running with the bulls in Pamplona, seeing the Moai on Easter Island, traveling through Africa, and numerous trips to Europe. Always ready to relax, he ventured to countless islands, where he mastered watching roofs being thatched while enjoying local beverages.

Ever the Nimrod, Roland enjoyed hunting for all types of birds from Texas to Argentina. His true outdoor love was fishing. It did not matter if he were fishing for bass at a small lake in Huntsville with his beloved Betty, the occasional piranha on the Amazon, or salmon in Alaska, he was happiest with a fishing rod in his hand. He passed on his love of fishing to his son and grandson with an annual trip to the White River in Arkansas.

Roland's generous spirit led him to give his time and talents without hesitation. He was the fifth member of his family to graduate from Sam Houston State University. To honor his family's legacy, he established an Endowed Professorship in Biological Sciences and the Roland Black Nursing Endowed Scholarship. Additionally, he was the president of the Alumni Board and was honored to be named a Distinguished Alumni in 2024.

Roland is preceded in death by his wife and best friend, Betty Gail Smither, his father, Dr. F. Ray Black, mother, Lois Fitch Black and brothers, F. Ray Black, Jr. (Buddy) and Dr. Robert Michael Black.

His legacy lives on in his daughter, Julie Black Spurr and her husband, James Spurr; along with their children, Gibsen Ray and Lauren Gail. Additionally, Roland leaves behind his favorite son, Keith Eugene Black, his wife, Shannon Dekat, and his devoted sister-in-law, Jean Bowie. Roland also leaves behind an abundant number of close friends and colleagues who will miss his great laugh, miss pronunciations, and off-color jokes.

The family would like to give a special, heartfelt thank you to the angels who cared for him: Shirley Washington, Hilarie Buckley, Jean Swanson, and Isatu Karmara.

The memorial service will be held at Heritage Oak Funeral Home Monday, June 8th (viewing at 1:00; service at 2:00; reception following.) In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Visiting Nurses Association, East-West Ministries, or charity of your choosing.