Sgt. Maj. William Ronald Black, U.S. Army Retired, 77, of Aiken, beloved husband and soulmate of Thelma Ruth Black, died suddenly Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at their home. Sgt. Maj. Black was a loving father to daughters Vicki Ann Domzalski Bill Scott, Wayne, MI, and Dorothy Jean DJ Wallace Robert, Canton, MI, and son William Gordon Black Jeannie, Westland, MI, as well as stepchildren Debrae Melvin Gary, Poolesville, MD and Richard Myers Mary, Mt. Airy, MD, eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is survived by brother Arnold Black Jeannie, of Thompsonville, MI. He is predeceased by daughter Lynn Marie Black, stepson Michael M. Balmer, parents William Gordon Black and Dorothy K. Black. Sgt. Maj. Black was born in Dearborn, MI. He joined the United States Army at age seventeen, and served from 1949-1976. He saw combat in both the Korean and Viet Nam Wars. During his military career, he was awarded The Purple Heart, Cross of Gallantry with a Palm Device, Army Commendation Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Meritorious Service Medal and several other service medals. After retiring from the military, Sgt. Maj. Black worked for Lockheed-Martin at the Space Center, Cape Canaveral, FL, for fifteen years. He received many commendations for his contributions there with the shuttle program. He lived in Cocoa, FL. during this time. Sgt. Maj. Black was an active member of Wilkesboro United Methodist Church, Wilkesboro, NC, and Hedgesville United Methodist Church, Hedgesville, WV. He was also an active member of United Methodist Men. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to American Diabetes Association or Disabled American Veterans. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, December 14, 2009 at 2pm.