Obituary for Earnest Black (1949-2020)

Mr. Earnest Black, age 71, of Flat Lick passed away peacefully at his home Saturday morning, April 4, 2020. “Earnie” was born in Knox County on February 26, 1949 and was the son of the late Jess and Martha Lockard Black. Earnie was a member of the Road Fork House of Prayer Holiness Church.

Earnie was known for his auto body skills. Out of his 50+ years working in the auto body industry, he spent most of those years at Knox Body Shop. His hobbies included riding four-wheelers, mowing his lawn, fishing, and watching the Kentucky Wildcats play basketball. Earnie was known for being very humble, honest and hardworking and could always be found sitting out on his porch enjoying the sunshine. He was a very loving husband, father and grandfather.

In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Henry Ed Black and Jimmy Black, and two sisters, Julie Castle and Reatha Castle.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Quillie Black, three daughters, Teresa Partin and husband Jim of Barbourville; Melody Allen and husband Tim; and Kelly Black and fiance Scott Merida both of Flat Lick, three grandchildren, Dewayne Partin and wife Becki of Barbourville; Kaleigh Dozier, and Sadie Merida both of Flat Lick, and one great-grandson, Eli Partin of Barbourville, three sisters, Jennie Hurst of Berea; Audrey Jordan of Flat Lick; Nora Lee Lawson and husband Sheryl of Pineville, as well as a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his passing.

Due to the government mandate on public congregations during the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will have a private visitation and service . He will be laid to rest in the Farley Cemetery at Himyar. Cobb-Hampton Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements. Rev. Gilbert Collins and Rev. Steven Brown will be officiating. 

To the family of Earnest Black, the staff of the Cobb-Hampton Funeral Home would like to offer you our heartfelt sympathy during your time of bereavement.

We would like to encourage everyone to visit the tribute wall on the obiturary and leave condolences for the family.

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