Rusell R. Black
May 11, 1941 – December 18, 2025
Tennessee Ridge
Tennessee Ridge, TN - Rusell R. Black departed this life on December 18, 2025, at home, with his wife, Patricia Black and daughter in law Elayne Black, at his side.
Rusell was born May 11, 1941, in Tennessee Ridge, Tennessee to Timothy and Maggie (Musser) Black. At the tender age of 17, he volunteered to enlist in the Army and was later honorably discharged as a military policeman.
He was employed by several companies including Ford Motor Company and Detroit Diesel before making the decision to open his own business along with his brother Paul. The two created the successful van conversion shop in Ypsilanti known as Holiday Vans. As business improved, they chose to open a second location in Phoenix AZ and Rusell and his wife and two of their children relocated to Arizona. Upon retirement, they returned to Ypsilanti.
Russell enjoyed many activities, including traveling and snowmobiling, but his favorite activity was riding his Can-Am side-by-side through the hills of Tennessee and northern Michigan with family and friends. Spending time with his favorite buddies, his 2 Maltese dogs, Cooper and Cash, always made him happy.
Rusell is survived by his wife of 23 years, Patricia Moffett Black and four children. Timothy (Elayne) Black, Tamara and Theresa Black and Rusell (Amy) Black Jr. He is also survived by two step children, Vickie (Barry) Stubbs-Bearden and Rick Stubbs, a sister Ruby Loughry, 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Jeanette Sturgill Black, 4 brothers, Jim, Ray, Claude and Paul. Four sisters, Wilma Lohr, Bernice Wilson, June Haught, and Elizabeth Nibarger, and his grandson Brandon Bearden.
Visitation took place on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Nie Funeral Home, 320 N. Washington St. Ypsilanti, MI 48197 at 11 a.m. with services beginning at 12:30 p.m.. Burial was at Washtenong Memorial Park.
This obituary has been provided as a courtesy to the family of Mr. Rusell R. Black by Four Oaks Funeral Homes of Huntsville and Oneida, Tennessee.
