George Robert Black

George Robert Black, age 70, triumphantly ascended to Heaven on 23 April 2026 after completing his course in Christian faith. Born to parents Willie F. Black Jr and Gerda Christa Blobel Black in Fort Riley, Kansas on 12 February 1956, he grew up living in different states and in different cities in Germany, as his father changed duty stations serving in the U.S. Army. During this time, he went by the names George, Robert, Rob, Bob and "Robilein" which reflected his German heritage. After attending various Department of Defense grade schools, he completed his senior year at Elbert County High School and graduated in 1974. Following his father, he served his country faithfully in the U.S. Army for 6 years and used his G.I. Bill benefits to obtain a Bachelor Of Science degree in Family Development, Magna Cum Laude and a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia. Having become a born-again Christian, Rob began a lifelong career serving the Lord and helping others dealing with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual challenges. He was employed by Athens Behavioral Health for 19 years as a Senior Resident Counselor and the State of Georgia in halfway house settings, helping people transition from drug/substance-abuse rehabilitation and also helped autistic children in public schools. The patience and love he had for every challenged adult and child he dealt with, epitomized what Jesus Christ expected of those who believe in Him.

He never met a meal or a buffet that he didn't enjoy to the fullest and fondly embraced the nickname "Buffet Bob". A dining experience at a Golden Corral, was a multi-hour cultural event partaking in the multitude of diverse cuisines at the buffet stations. A dessert plate was literally a large dinner plate heaped with ice cream, syrups and assorted toppings and seconds/thirds were never off the table!

Being mechanically inclined, Rob had a love for muscle cars and in addition to his UGA degrees, completed an Auto Paint & Body Shop curriculum at Athens Tech. After bringing a 1967 Camaro back to life, he gave it a beautiful muti-color pearlescent paint scheme. He was also the proud owner of a very rare 1973 Pontiac Trans Am optioned with 455 Super Duty motor, later rebuilt with a street race modified engine, that could easily leave other muscle cars in his wake and that he occasionally competed with at local drag strips. With a dazzling black paint scheme adorned with tombstones, we affectionately referred to it as the "Graveyard Zam".

Rob also had a big heart for abandoned animals, especially cats. He nursed every displaced kitten and cat he took off the streets, back to a life the Good Lord intended for His felines.

Rob is survived by his brother, Max Black (Kimberly) of Elberton, sisters Deborah Johari of Frankfurt, Germany and Sheryl Coulter (Ken) of Spokane, Washington and many aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Calvert Black. Rob is also survived by an exceptional life-long special friend, Rita Healan of Athens, who was constantly by his side providing loving care, during many of his latter year health challenges in hospitals and nursing homes.

A private memorial service will be held at the Georgia National Veterans Cemetary in Canton, Georgia where he will be interred with full military honors.

Donations in his honor may be made to Elberton Christian Church, the Elbert County Humane Society or to any other animal shelter.

Berry Funeral Home and Crematory of Elberton is in charge of the funeral arrangements for Mr. George Robert Black.