Carlton Otis Black, 85, of Hickory, formerly of Graham, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025 at Trinity Village after a lengthy illness.
Born Dec. 6, 1939 in Wadesboro to the late Clyde Banks Black Jr. and Minnie Beatrice Bateman Black, Carlton served in the United States Air Force for eight years and concluded his military career with the rank of senior airman.
He built a career in the private sector as the executive director of several housing authorities in North Carolina, retiring as the executive director of Graham Housing Authority.
He retired in Connelly Springs with his beloved wife, Betty Gillis Black. Carlton was an avid photography enthusiast and enjoyed capturing moments in nature and at family gatherings.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty Gillis Black of Hickory; brother, Gerald Black Jr. of Charlotte; daughters, Carla (Lane) Chandler of Connelly Springs and Cara (Kris) Ham of Conover; grandchildren, Brandy (Justin) Brittain, Justin (Lauren) Chandler, Dustin (Taylor) Chandler, Alex (Felicity) Ham, Brandon (Stephanie) Ham, Cody (Shelby) Ham; and numerous great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, from noon–1 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham. A celebration of life will follow at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Randal Heien officiating. Interment will follow at Richmond County Memorial Park.
Pallbearers for the service will be: Cody Ham, Brandon Ham, Alex Ham, Dustin Chandler, Justin Chandler and Justin Brittain.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation, The Heart Foundation, and Trinity Village of Hickory.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Black family.
