Lawrence (Larry) Dean Black, born October 22, 1935, passed from this good long life on Monday, February 23, 2026. As the son of a Pennsylvania coal miner, he was inspired by two older brothers who were pilots during WWII. Merle Black flew 51 B-17 missions over Europe and was retired from United Airlines. Wayne Black was a glider instructor during the war and flew corporate aviation.
Larry was an accomplished classical pianist having led several church choirs during his lifetime after obtaining a B.S. in Music Education. Instead of teaching music, Larry entered US Navy flight training, spending 8.5 years flying passengers and cargo around the world with MATS and a tour in Intelligence in Washington, D.C. He joined Pan American World Airways in 1966 and transferred to United Airlines in 1985 continuing his transcontinental flying until retirement in 1995.
Larry married the love of his life, Katherine (Kay) Belle Montgomery and the amazing team they created kept them active throughout their 67 years of marriage. Kay became a flight instructor and taught her children to fly their privately-owned aircraft. After living in 18 homes in 10 different states, they settled in Seymour, TN. Their family was active in general aviation, owning several airplanes. Larry was an avid sailboat enthusiast as well. Upon retirement from UAL, he and his wife bought their first of many RV’s and traveled to all contiguous US states, twice to Alaska and many Canadian provinces.
Larry is survived by his wife, Kay, three children James (Belinda) Black, retired Delta Airlines Captain, Lusby, Maryland; Alan (Karen) Black, a civil engineer, Seattle, WA; and Lauren Polvino, Physician Assistant, Seymour, TN. They have eight grandchildren, Dr. Daniel (Sara) Polvino, and Nicholas (Kaitlin) Polvino, Dr. Cara Black-Marshall and husband Evan Marshall, Kelly (MJ Tatter) Black, Kristen and Caitlyn Black, Erik and Megan Black; two step-grandchildren, Jennifer (Joey) Hannigan and Tyler Comfort; two great-grandchildren, Madison Polvino and Colette Marshall, six nephews, two are retired pilots; five nieces, numerous great nephews and nieces. Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence W. and Hazel (Wood) Black, brothers, Wayne (Marguerite) and Merle (Jane) Black, and a sister Minnie (Black) Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Navy Air and Space Museum, Pensacola, FL. or St. Jude Hospital for Children.