Emery Rex Black

Emery Rex Black, of Levelland, was born in Shawnee, OK on August 11, 1933 to Guy and Eunice Black. He went to meet his Lord and Savior on December 27, 2024 at the age of 91. He grew up in the Texas Panhandle before his family settled in Brownfield, TX.

He graduated from Brownfield High school in 1950. He went to Hardin Simmons for one year and then transferred to Texas Technical College. He graduated from Texas Tech in 1956. While at Texas Tech, he was a member of Alpha Phi Omega, Delta Sigma Pi, and the Reserve Officer Training Corp. After college he went to work for Amoco Production company. He met the love of his life of 59 years, Carita Jarrett, at a church social at First Baptist Brownfield. They were married on July 1, 1961. They began their life together in Whiteface, TX. 

While living in Whiteface he was asked to call JV and junior high basketball games for 2 years. He joined the Lubbock Officials Basketball Association where he had the opportunity to officiate at the Junior College conference level, Division III and the several Lady Raider games. His officiating career lasted almost 4 decades. On September 25, 2024, he was awarded the Virgil Johnson Award for a lifetime of officiating. 

He proudly served our country in the Army Reserves for 31 years. He retired from his service in 1993 as a Colonel. 

He was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for 52 years. He taught junior high boys Sunday school and helped with the youth for many years. He followed his wife as an honorary member of the Sonshine choir. 

He coached his two sons in Little Dribblers and Little League. He continued to serve as a commissioner of the Babe Ruth Baseball and Cal Ripken Leagues. He was honored in 2010 by the Babe Ruth Southwest Region Hall of Fame. 

He and Carita loved to travel the world and serve his church. They went on 19 cruises and multiple mission trips. He loved the Red Raiders and loved to golf. He continued to drive his golf cart to the mailbox until his death. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carita and son, Wayne and brother, Max Black.

He is survived by his daughter Carol Beth Dyess and her husband, Blane of Vealmoor, TX. His son Craig and wife, Stacie of Levelland, TX. He was extremely proud of his three grandchildren, Landon Ellis (Carol) of Granby, CO. Peyton Black (Craig) of San Angelo, TX and Landrie Black (Craig) of Lubbock, TX. He is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews.

The family suggests donations be made to the Wayne Black Memorial Scholarship fund at South Plains College,1401 College, Levelland, Texas 79336, InFocus Ministries, Inc., 1006 Cactus Dr, Levelland, TX 79336 or First Baptist Church, 401 Houston St, Levelland, TX 79336.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Levelland. Interment will follow in the City of Levelland Cemetery. 

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Krestridge Funeral Home. (806) 897-1111