FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Ret. Marine Sgt. Maj. Henry Holstead Black, 83, passed away Friday, Aug. 24, 2012 at his home.
Sgt. Maj. Black was selected as the seventh sgt. maj. of the U.S. Marine Corps.
He was born in Imperial, Pa., Feb. 9, 1929. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1948. He served as chief drill instructor at Parris Island Recruit Depot. Sgt. Maj. Black served in combat with the 1st Marine Division in the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, in the Dominican Republic and had two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars with Combat “V,” the Purple Heart and numerous other awards.
Upon his retirement he became an avid golfer at Fredericksburg Country Club and a frequent visitor to Paul’s Bakery.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Fannie M. Black; four children, Michael J. Black, Debora A. Carter, Catherine L. Thomas and David A. Black, and their spouses; 10 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two sisters; two brothers; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family received friends Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Covenant Funeral Service of Fredericksburg. A service was held 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 29, at the Marine Memorial Chapel in Quantico. Burial with full military honors followed at 11 a.m. in Quantico National Cemetery.
Online guest book is at covenantfuneralservice.com.