JAMES TRACY BLACK, 64, of Largo, died Nov. 20, 2009 at Bay Pines VA Hospice, Bay Pines, FL. He was a loving husband to Dee Dee and devoted father to Chris. He was born in Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, but always told everyone he was born in Largo. He graduated from Largo High in 1963 and joined the US Air Force in 1965.
Tracy and Dee Dee were married in October 1966 on his 21st birthday.
He served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 and stayed in the service until 1972. Tracy loved “ham” radio, working in the electronics field, Roy Rogers’ movies, travel and Colorado.
He is preceded in death by his father Francis S. Black.
Survivors include wife Dee Dee, son Chris (Piia), mother Alta, brothers Steve (Judy), John Daniel (Barbara) and sisters Janet (Gary) Sica, Brenda (Ray) Stevens, Dana Allen, Gayle (Pete) Howdeshell and Patricia (Mark) Erickson. Also, Granddaughter, Anjali and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and canine companion, Bandit.
Tracy was a wonderful friend and loved by all who knew him. His sense of humor was legendary. A memorial service will be held at Bay Pines Cemetery at 4:30 pm, Tuesday, November 24, 2009. Happy Trails till we meet again.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bay Pines Hospice, Attn: Ward 5C, P.O. Box 5005, Bay Pines, Fl 33744.
We are so, so, sad! Tracy was a wonderful friend. We shared many happy times and we will cherish those memories forever. We remember especially all the years with the PHS Band Boosters, camping, (Tracy’s fresh hash browns in bacon grease) and all the fun dinners we shared. We’ll miss you, Tracy!
To my loving brother – you fought a long hard battle and you had your GREAT sense of humor right up to the end. I love you very much and will miss you so much. You have made a lasting impression (always a good one) on so many lives. Love, your big sister Janet
I was privileged and blessed to meet Tracy and Dee Dee at Bay Pines Hospice only a short time before his death. I’ll never forget standing over Tracy and announcing (as he had shared with our team that morning his need for forgiveness), “Tracy, in the Name of Jesus, you are forgiven!”
Remember, dear family, as you go through this time, that “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted . . . .”
(Psalm 34:18)
Dan Hummer, Chaplain
I am the mother of Chris’ best friend, Aron Vaught. I remember seeing Tracy at the football games at Palmdale High when both the boys were in the band. Aron always spoke very highly of Tracy, and I know he loved his sense of humor. To the family – I’m so sorry for your loss.
Tracy you will are loved and will be missed by all.
love your best sister,
Dana
Tracy, what can anyone say, but A Big Kid!! I especially remember one of our many camping trips the gang took. On this one trip, Tracy, Alex (my grandson) and I went up early to set up the camp site. There was Alex and Tracy on one side of the tent and me on the other. As a team we set up the entire camp in record time. Tracy said it was because the “Girls” weren’t there. Later after dinner we all went for a walk. Tracy with Alex on his lap, took the lead with Tracy’s scooter. They went down one of the hills so fast that Dee Dee yelled “Slow Down Or You’ll Tip Over and Break Your Necks”. When we caught up with them we found two “Little Boys” grining from ear to ear. The gang always told Tracy, he and Alex were perfect together, because they were the same age. I have a picture of Tracy on his 53rd and Alex’s 3rd birthday to prove it. Both “Boys” had cake all over their faces. Tracy always made you smile and I know that when we think of him, we will smile then too!! In my heart I know Tracy is in heaven telling GOD some of his humorous stories. Thou GOD has heard them more often than we, “He” still laughs with Tracy. God Bless You Dee Dee for taking such good care of our beloved Tracy for as long as you did. We all love and miss you!! Forever yours, Robin, Steve, David, Sarah, and Ryan.
To the family:
I went to Largo High with Tracy. He was one year behind me. I have fond memories of Tracy at Largo Methodist Church. I was born at Morton Plant Hospital also.
I remember his sense of humor which was so great while we were in the Band of Gold.
I will miss him.
Elizabeth Delack Laursen
To the family:
I will miss Tracy’s sense of humor. I knew him when he was so young.
Elizabeth Delack Laursen
Tracy will be deeply missed, He was a wonderful friend. My Sympathy goes out to the family.
Ken (N6SHF)
Tracy was always fun to be around… especially when he was getting into things that he wasn’t supposed to… like Rice Krispies Treats!
John and I will always treasure the times we had together with Tracy and Dee Dee. What a special man he was. His sense of humor and his generosity. Always ready to help and give. Loved those “T” Hunts and the food afterwards. What a priviledge to know him.
k6cev and kc6zsq
73 Tracy
I’m glad I got to see you at BAy Pines. You were the best of all of us. I never heard you complain about what was happening to you. You always put others before yourself. I love you, brother. Your older brother, Steve