Rev. Charles Ray Black Sr, 94, of West Columbia, SC, formerly of Hartwell, passed away Saturday, September 4, 2021 at his niece's home.

Born on January 23, 1927 in Pelzer, SC, he was the son of the late Frank P. Black and Helen Hedden Black.Rev. Black was a retired Southern Baptist Minister, serving at several churches in the Upstate South Carolina and Northeast Georgia area, a member of the Milltown Baptist Church, Hartwell GA and was a US Army veteran.

Survivors include one niece: Sheryl Shelley (Dudley) of West Columbia, SC; and two nephews: Chris Holland of Belton, SC and Tim Smith Sr. (Ramona) of Cayce, SC. Rev. Black was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Virginia Holland Black; son: Charles Ray Black Jr; and sister: Margaret B. Smith.

Rev. Black will lie in state at the Strickland Funeral of Hartwell from 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Thursday for anyone to come by and pay their respects.Also, anyone can leave their condolences and best wishes on Rev. Black's tribute page by going to www.stricklandfh.com.

A private graveside service for Rev. Ray Black will be held at Nancy Hart Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Georgia Baptist Children's Home, PO Box 329, Palmetto, GA 30268 or Christian Appalachian Project, PO Box 55911, Lexington KY 40555-5911.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.