Robert Earl Lee ‘Bob’ Black, 91, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. Bob was a research marine biologist and professor of biology at the College of William & Mary for over 30 years.
Over the course of his career, he conducted research at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, the University of Washington Friday Harbor Laboratories and the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, in addition to his work at William & Mary, where he touched the lives of countless students.
Robert is survived by his wife, Connie Devitt-Johnston; children, Bradford Black, David Black and Jennifer Watkins; grandchildren, David Black Jr., Zachary Black, Shannon Simpson, Jessica Hunsucker and Nicholas Watkins; and great-grandchildren, Ryan Selby, Charlotte Hunsucker and Leonardo Black.
Bob was a kind, loving, compassionate, smart and humble man who rose from poor beginnings in Cassville, Missouri. He was loved and admired by his entire family and will be terribly missed.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains, Williamsburg.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated.
Share online condolences with the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
