Burl “B.C.” Clifton Black, Jr., 87, passed away in his home December 29th, 2020 in Manvel, TX. Burl was preceded in death by his wife, Katha Black; his parents; Burl Sr. and Margaret Black, sister, Barbara Faye Black and brother, Truman Black.
He leaves behind his sons: Michael Black, Patrick Black and his fiancé Heidi Wiess, Timothy Black and Shelly Neilson; grandchildren: Zack Black, Leah Black, husband Shawn Rushefsky, and Haley Black.
Burl Clifton Black, affectionately known as B.C. by many, was born September 1st, 1933 and raised in and around Houston, Texas. Growing up, B.C. enjoyed basketball, boxing, golf, fishing and card games. He attended Milby High School. He met his future wife Katha Nan Stroud at a Billy Graham revival that he attended with his mother. Although he knew of Katha from High School, he hadn’t been formally introduced to her. When seeing Katha at the revival, he pointed her out to his mother and said “that’s the girl I want to marry.” Katha and B.C. soon began dating and were married on March 4, 1954. The start of a loving marriage, lasting just short of 63 years.
After graduating from Milby, B.C. attended the University of Houston to study Electrical Engineering, while Katha attended the Lili Jolly School of Nursing. While attending U of H, B.C. also worked for Lowe Electric to pay for his schooling and to support both he and Katha. B.C. was a dedicated worker and excelled at Lowe Electric. After their marriage and Katha becoming pregnant with their first son Michael, B.C. decided to start his own company. He left U of H and started the Black Electric Company in 1955. B.C.’s business took off and soon he was able to become a master electrician, as well as a real estate and stock investor. B.C. was never afraid to work hard, and work hard he did. As his family grew to include two more sons, Patrick and Timothy, B.C. worked even harder to support the family. Katha completed her nursing degree and together B.C. and Katha pursued their dreams.
Along with building a successful business, B.C. and Katha acquired many investment properties. Their favorite property was an old farm that became a waterfront paradise on Cedar Creek Lake, which is just north of Athens Texas, Katha‘s birth town. Because the farm had an old house on it, the family affectionately named the property “The Old House.” The Old House became the site of numerous family and friend gatherings. It was at The Old House where B.C. and Katha felt most at home. B.C. quickly added rancher, as well as conservationist, to his growing list of trades and accomplishments. He loved working with the cattle, mending fences and working on the land. Many family, friends and relatives enjoyed their visits to The Old House. Mike, Pat and Tim couldn’t ask for a better environment to grow up in. Hunting, fishing, and water sports, are just a few of the many activities done at the lake. Along with all the recreational activities, B.C. and Katha made sure the sons learned the value of hard work and a deep respect of family, friends and nature. B.C. and his sons worked tirelessly building a new home, piers, boat docks, garage and many other projects around The Old House. Even just months ago, B.C. enjoyed what was to be his final trip to The Old House, smiling, laughing and reminiscing on all of the love that this beautiful location helped to bring to he and his families lives.
B.C. had extraordinary drive and self-determination. He was the hardest working man on the planet as far as his sons, family and friends were concerned. B.C. was successful in business, as well as extremely accomplished in love, family and life. He was a friend to many. His business and personal advice was highly sought after. He was a mentor to many, guiding others to be successful as well. He served on many boards, including the Brazoria County Drainage District and Vantage Bank. He was well respected, loved and liked by many. B.C. was a dealmaker and loved a bargain and making the best deal possible. His negotiating skills, knowledge and charm served him well. He used all of his God-given talent to make this world a better place. His passing leaves us all with a heavy heart, but also with great admiration of his life. His was a life well lived. His journey here on earth is complete. He is now in heaven celebrating with his beloved wife Katha.
B.C. and Katha are now reunited in Heaven along with their other family and friends that passed before them. They will both be sorely missed. The foot prints and memories of their lives will last on forever in our hearts. As an earthly act of their heavenly reunion, their ashes will be jointly spread on the property of “The Old House” in a small ceremony.
Due to the ongoing and unprecedented pandemic, the family will be conducting a limited in person and virtual funeral service Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021 at 1 PM @ the Church on Masters Road 6911 Masters Road Manvel, TX 77578. To view the funeral service online, please go to Church website @ Mastersroad.com for the link.
