Dr. Daniel Hugh Black, 78 of Arab passed away Friday, February 6, 2026, at his residence. He was born July 4, 1947, in Arab the son of Lehmon Ray Black and Lillian Geneve Divine Black.
After graduating from Arab High School in 1965, he attended the University of Alabama, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in history. Demonstrating a strong commitment to furthering his education, he went on to pursue and complete his master’s and his sixth-year certificate in history and social studies from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville. Continuing his academic journey, he ultimately achieved the highest level of scholarship by earning his PhD from Vanderbilt University. He then went on to receive a second master’s degree from Saint John’s University in philosophy. After nearly 30 years of teaching at Grissom High School, he retired from the Huntsville City School system. He later taught as a professor at A&M University, Calhoun College, and The University of Alabama in Huntsville.
After his retirement in 1998 he began working alongside his father at the family business, Black’s Furniture. After the passing of his father in 2002 the family continued the business until its closure in 2012. The following year, he was instrumental in converting the store into Black’s Old and New Mall. He continued to work in daily operations until his health started to decline.
He is survived by his sister: Joan King; niece: Tanya King; nephew: Brad King; great nieces and nephews: Peyton Hill, Brodie Hill, Brooklyn Hill and Olivia King; aunt: Linda Lou Glenn and an uncle: John Black; host of cousins, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law: Tommy King; niece: Ashleigh King and a special friend: Emily Quillen.
Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Gober Funeral Chapel with Bo Shedd officiating and eulogy by Raymond Burk and John Black. The burial will be in Arab Memorial Cemetery, Gober Funeral Chapel directing.
Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Thursday at Gober Funeral Chapel
Pallbearers: Brad King, Chris Ponder, Trevor Mitchell, Clay Mitchell, Judson Stewart and Craig Dunn.
