In Loving Memory

Robert Hayne Black

Robert Hayne Black
October 4, 2021
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Obituary

Robert Hayne Black of Brenham, Texas, passed away on Monday, October 4, 2021.

Rob was a beloved husband of 43 years to Diane Black of Brenham, Texas and a cherished father to Andrew Hayne Black of Memphis, Tennessee, Christopher Jay Black of Seattle, Washington, and Robert James Black of Little Rock, Arkansas. He treasured his daughters-in-law Rachel Criss Black of Memphis and Keltie Laseur Black of Little Rock. Rob fully embraced his much-loved role as the adored “Papa” to Pearson Hayne Black and Emerson McClure Black of Memphis. He was also a much-loved brother to Charlotte Black Foley of St. Louis, Missouri and Theodore Bruce Black of Memphis. Rob also held dear eight nieces and nephews, two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law and countless other family and friends.

The son of Theodore Hayne Black and Mary Pipsaire Black, Rob was born in Charlotte, NC. Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, his knack for tinkering led to neighborhood adults commandeering his homemade go-cart for Fourth of July shenanigans one year that led early into the morning of July 5th. After graduating from Overton High School, where he served as Co-Captain of the varsity football team and Student Body Vice President, his tinkering skills led to a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in Atlanta, Georgia. Not done yet, Rob next achieved a Master’s of Business Administration from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. In spite of all his academic achievements, Rob treasured most the friendships he made along the way. In the 40-plus years after his education, Rob was always the classmate and friend to sustain the relationship over jobs, moves, marriages, children, divorces, and all that life brings. It is something his friends treasured about him and will miss dearly.

Rob’s career began at the corporate level and included stints in San Jose, California and Chicago, Illinois before relocating to Houston, Texas and eventually moving into family businesses. Rob worked in agricultural equipment sales in Houston, Texas and in the architectural metal roof and wall industry in Memphis, Tennessee before settling in Brenham, Texas as a manufacturing sales rep. Self-identified as a “road-warrior”, some of his work required travel which left Rob affectionately known by his children for his love of road-trip treats, most notably the oft divisive candies Good & Plenty and Necco Wafers. Following his maxim of “always taking the scenic route”, Rob relished many road trips to visit family and friends. Favorite spots were Heber Springs, Arkansas, Copper Mountain in Colorado (where he and friends referred to themselves as the “101st Airborne Screamin’ Eagles” because of their love of catching air on the ski slopes), the beaches of Destin, Georgia Tech Homecomings, Stanford Reunions, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and, of course, wherever the boys lived.

Throughout his life Rob was active in community organizations, most recently in the local and greater Central Texas region. He was involved with his church, Redeemer Church Brenham, as well as the Thursday Morning Men’s Bible Study, Gideon’s International, Rotary Club of Brenham, Jobs Partnership of Washington County, Central Texas Tres Dias, and Habitat for Humanity. He also recently picked up a hobby for reading, which he thoroughly enjoyed, particularly the subject of history.

Rob was 71 years old when he died. His legacy of loyalty, commitment and integrity among his family and friends will sustain those he leaves behind.

Visitation will be held at Brenham Memorial Chapel in Brenham on Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 8:00am to 7:00pm. A private graveside service will be held at Zion Cemetery in Iola, Texas.

In remembrance of Rob’s life, his family asks that any charitable donations be made to Redeemer Church Brenham (redeemerbrenham.org) or the charity of your choice.