Grant "Pete" Wiley Black

Grant Wiley Black, known as Pete by family and friends, died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family on October 19, 2023, in Bryan, Texas.  He will be remembered as a kind, generous man who loved God and his family and was always willing to help anyone who needed it.

Pete was the seventh of eight children born to Theodore Clifton Black and Ola Mae Washington on August 21, 1945, in Fort Pierce, Florida.  His early days were spent climbing mango trees and playing outdoors.  In high school, he was active in many groups while playing football and running track. 

After high school, he attended Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.  It was at Mercer where he met his future wife, Judith Anne Clarke, on a blind date.  They were married on June 10, 1967, the Saturday after both graduated from college.  Pete went to work for the Social Security Administration in June 1968 and continued working there until his retirement 33 years later. 

Pete and Judy had two daughters, Jill and Wendy.  Pete dearly loved his daughters and worked to make sure that they both grew up knowing God, how much they were loved, and that the future was full of possibilities.  The family moved frequently during the next few years as Pete earned promotions and multiple awards from his employer until finally settling in Gainesville, Florida.  In each new town, Pete and his family were actively involved in a local church.  His priorities were God, family, and friends.  Until his illness prevented him from attending, Pete was an active member of First Baptist Church, Bryan.

When not taking care of his family, serving at church, or working, you could often find Pete pursuing another passion – his garden.  He was always on the lookout for new plants and better ways to grow the ones he had.  Pete loved giving away the many vegetables he grew year-round to family and friends.

Though quiet until he got to know you, Pete had a wonderfully dry wit and a keen sense of humor.  Sometimes it was difficult to tell if he was joking with you or being serious.  One of his favorite pastimes was teasing and playing tricks on his five grandchildren.  Those grandchildren were his pride and joy.  He was always happy to talk about them and brag about their accomplishments.

Pete is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy; his daughters and their husbands, Jill and Bob Morris, Wendy and Vincent Polisi; and five grandchildren, Rebekah Morris and her husband David Bessette, Zachary Morris, Alex Polisi, Christian Polisi, and Skye Polisi.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the First Baptist Church of Bryan Building Fund (3100 Cambridge Dr, Bryan, TX 77802) or SHIP International Ministry (P.O. Box 3003, Bryan, TX 77805.3003).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Bryan, Room 136.