Charles Ernest “Chuck” Black, Jr., “an avid recycler,”of Bennettsville, died on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Chuck was born October 31, 1959, in Bennettsville. He was a son of the late Charles Ernest and Beulah Creech Black. Chuck grew up in Bennettsville. He was an Eagle Scout who received the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor. Chuck graduated from Bennettsville High School in 1977, where he excelled on the football field. After high school Chuck attended The Citadel and graduated in 1981. He then began a lifelong career in education, accepting his first teaching position at Woodruff Junior High School. In 1984, Chuck returned to Marlboro County as a teacher and football coach at Bennettsville High School. In the summer of 1988, he began teaching and coaching at Marlboro County High School. In 1993, he earned his master’s degree in education administration from Winthrop University. Chuck continued working, even after retirement.
Chuck spent many years serving his community as a firefighter. He retired as a Lieutenant from the Bennettsville Fire Department, but remained active with the Wallace and Clio Fire Departments. Chuck was also a member of the Marlboro County Firefighters Association, an instructor at the South Carolina Fire Academy, a member of the Pee Dee Incident Management Team, and taught firefighting through career technical centers.
He was an active member of the First Methodist Church of Bennettsville. He filled several roles in the church, including teaching the Pledger Hodges Sunday School class. Chuck was also very involved in the Salkehatchie ministry. He was a Mason and a lifelong member of Marlboro Lodge #88. He was also a member of the Marlboro Shrine Club. Chuck will be remembered by his family as a great husband, father, son, and brother. Most of all, he excelled at being the best Papa. He also touched countless lives as an educator, coach, and mentor. He will forever be thought of as a man who gave selflessly to his community.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Jo Davis Black of the home; a son, Charles Ernest Black, III (Ashlynn) of Belton; daughters, Lawren DeWitt Black (Justin) of Florence and Mary Jo Black of Bennettsville; a brother, David Warren Black (Emily) of Lexington; a sister, Vivian Black Lee of Bennettsville; grandchildren, Titan Roller, Andrea Hammonds, Evelynn Moon, Memphis Roller, Korri Black, Alice Black, and Arden Burkett. Several other extended family members also survive.
A memorial service with masonic rites and firefighter honors will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at First Methodist Church of Bennettsville.
A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. in the sanctuary at First Methodist Church of Bennettsville.
Online condolences may be made at www.bfhbennettsville.com.
Burroughs Funeral Home is honored to assist the Black Family.