Michael Dennis Black, 76, of New Port Richey, Florida, a respected retired police officer, beloved husband and father passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026, in New Port Richey, surrounded by family. He was born October 23, 1949, in Huntington, WV, Michael’s life was marked by serving his country and the community, mentorship and unwavering dedication to his family. Michael was the son of the late Randolph Moss Black Jr. and Betty Clausen Black. Michael was a 1967 graduate of Barboursville High School. After high school he joined the US Air Force where he served two years in Japan and one year in Vietnam. He joined the Huntington Police Department in September of 1978 where he retired as Sergeant after twenty-six years of service. As a police officer, Michael played a crucial role in designing and establishing the departments K-9 Unit with his first partner K-9 “Arros”. Known for his patience and wisdom, Michael was a natural mentor on the department and with youth sports. At home, he was famous for his DIY projects teaching his children valuable skills while fixing anything from a broken bike to building furniture, while occasionally using duct tape. He was a member of Westmoreland United Methodist Church and a member the Huntington Fraternal Order of Police.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, J.W. Vandall and mother-in-law, Margaret Vandall. He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Rena Kay Vandall Black; one son, Adam Black and his wife, Kate, of Louisville, KY; one daughter, Katy Abramo and her husband Justin of New Port Richey, Florida; one brother, Scott Black of Proctorville, OH; one grandson, Jackson Black; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Stephen and Barbara Vandall; a nephew, Cain Vandall; two nieces, Annie Hale and Abi Black, one great niece, Madison Vandall; and two great nephews, Lincoln and Teddy Hale.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, WV. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel, Barboursville, WV, with Pastor Tom Nolan officiating. Burial will be at White Chapel Memorial Gardens.
One of Michael’s great passions in life was being a K-9 Officer for HPD and requested in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in his honor to the Huntington Foundation, please use QR Code and in the drop-down, select K-9. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory,com/wallace.
