Clifton Arnold Black, Sr.

With gratitude for a life of service, strength, and steadfast love, we celebrate the legacy of Clifton Arnold Black, Sr., who entered eternal rest at the age of 79.

Born on March 1, 1946, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Maurice and Mary Black, Clifton was shaped by humble beginnings, strong roots, and an unshakable sense of duty. He grew up alongside six siblings, carrying with him the bonds of family that would remain important throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Donna Black, Maurice Black, Jr., and Frances B. Revels (Black); as well as his beloved wife, Clarice Theresa Black; and his former spouse, Gwendolyn Williams Black.

Clifton attended Carver High School, where his participation in ROTC planting the seeds of a lifelong commitment to service. That calling led him to the United States Navy, where he would dedicate 22 honorable years to defending his country. Known to many as “CAB,” he retired in 1992 from the USS Forrestal (CV-59), closing a distinguished chapter of military service that spanned the globe.

During his naval career, Clifton served with courage in the Vietnam War and was deployed during Desert Storm at the very same time his two sons were also deployed. That extraordinary moment in history reflected the depth of dedication within the Black family: a father and his sons answering the call of duty together.

His service was marked by numerous honors, including the National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Southwest Asia Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Vietnam Service Medal (2nd Award), Combat Action Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Action Ribbon, Gallantry Cross Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal. These medals represent more than commendations; they tell the story of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering commitment.

After retiring from the Navy, Clifton began a second career in the casino industry, where he worked diligently for many years, rising from supervisor to manager in the Cage. Whether in uniform or in leadership, he carried himself with quiet strength and determination.

In his younger years, Clifton enjoyed playing tennis, but his greatest joy; the hobby that truly captured his heart, was model trains. What began as a young man’s inter- est grew into a lifelong passion. He collected model trains with pride and precision, spending countless hours with fellow model train club members, restoring engines, perfecting tracks, and bringing miniature worlds to life. His love for model trains never faded; it remained a steady companion

Clifton was not a man of many words. He did not claim perfection, but he loved deeply. He knew what he wanted. And in his own quiet way, he made his presence known. His life reminds us that strength does not always roar sometimes it stands steady, shows up faithfully, and endures.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Clifton “PeeWee” Black, Jr. (Theetta I. Black- wife), Shawn Black (Jihye Black- wife), and LaWanda Jones (Black); his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his loving siblings, Bonita Church, Donald Black, and Renata “Toni” Pinkney (Black). His legacy lives on through the generations he helped shape and the family he loved.

Today, we do not simply mourn his passing, we honor his service, his sacrifices, his passions, and the imprint he leaves behind. His watch has ended, but his legacy stands at attention.

Fair winds and following seas, CAB. You are saluted. You are remembered. You are loved.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue in Biloxi. Friends are invited to visit 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mr. Black's name to Traintastic or send a check/ money order to PO Box 7027 Gulfport, MS 39506.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Clifton Arnold Black, Sr.