Dr. L. Gene Black, 80, of Homewood passed away at his home on Wednesday, February 25, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Decatur on July 10, 1934 and was a 1953 graduate of Decatur High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Samford University, Master of Arts in Music Education, Advanced Master’s in Secondary Education, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Higher Education and Music degrees from the University of Alabama. Dr. Black was a Professor of Music and Music Education, and Dean of the School of Music at Samford University in Birmingham over a span of 35 years. He was also the conductor of the Samford University A Cappella Choir. He was inducted in the inaugural class of the Alabama Music Educators Hall of Fame and served numerous churches in the Birmingham area as interim or full-time Minister of Music.
Dr. Black is survived by his wife of 57 years, Faye Hamilton Black; their daughter, Gina Clay (Mitchel), and their grandchildren Ethan Blake Standard, Emma Kathryn Standard and Elijah Hamilton Standard. He is also survived by his brother Joe Black of Decatur, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Mattie Lois Black; sisters, Mary Houston and Gurstle Rogers; and brothers, Otha Black, Greer Black and Morris Black.
