Larry Andrew Black

Larry Andrew Black, 70, passed away Saturday, April 15, 2017 in Mt. Ida. He was born on April 11, 1947 to Ralph and Floriece Black in Benton where he grew up. Larry was a graduate of Bryant High School. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Architecture. He was the founder and president of Black, Corley, Owens and Hughes, starting the firm in 1979. Larry was a member of the State Board of Architects, serving as president for two years, member of the Advisory Board of the UofA School of Architecture, past president of the Benton/Bryant Rotary Club, Benton Chamber of Commerce, Saline County Home Builders and Salvation Army Board of Directors. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Benton for 30 years serving as a deacon, and a member of Lake Ouachita Baptist Church for 13 years serving as a deacon and Sunday school Teacher. Larry is survived by his wife of 48 years, Elaine Ebeling Black; two sons and their wives, Brian and Leslie Black of Benton, Brent and Jennifer Black of Arkadelphia; five precious grandchildren, Taylor, Brandon, Will, Libbie and Savannah; his father, Ralph Black of Benton; brother and his wife, Eddie and Brenda Black of Benton; sister and her husband, Anita and Jack Mauldin of Ector, Texas; and many more family members and friends who loved Larry and will miss him always. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, April 18, in Selph Hall at First Baptist Church in Benton. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 19, in Selph Hall at First Baptist Church in Benton, with Pastor Rick Grant and Pastor Ty Huitt officiating. A private family burial will be held after the service. Memorials may be made to The Christian Care Community Care Clinic, 220 West South Street, Benton, Ark., The Arkansas Baptist Children's Home, 10 Remington Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72204, or Marias Smile, Monte Sion Clinic in Cajamarca, Peru, c/o Diana Lewis 7121 Fulton, Benton, Ark. 72019. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.