David Jeffrey Black

Dave Black chose to bookend his life by passing on October 8, 2025, the same day he was born 80 years ago.

Roy and Rosemary Black welcomed their first child, David Jeffrey, on October 8, 1945, in Somerville, New Jersey. During his childhood there, he took full advantage of the countryside exploring the outdoors with his traps, his BB gun, and good friends. This love carried on throughout his life with memorable trips to national parks, wilderness areas, and scenic by-ways. Yellowstone National Park held a special place in Dave’s heart.

Dave’s other love was born in the east in a life-long infatuation with classic cars. Owning over 50 cars throughout his life, mostly Chevys, he bought, sold, traded, raced (legally and illegally), and refurbished them earning him true “gearhead” status. He was legendary for spotting abandoned vehicles in fields or carports at 200 yards away and identifying their make, model, options and year. He was a veritable encyclopedia of motorcar facts.

After graduating high school and working at various jobs, Dave headed west and eventually settled in Colorado to go to college. The draft was catching up with him so he joined the Army and was shipped off to Vietnam in 1970. He was honorably discharged in 1971. His service earned him several commendations and medals including the Bronze Star. He never regretted his time served, but carried the intensity of the experience with him throughout his life.

After his discharge, Dave returned to Colorado and college where he earned his Bachelor’s degree and eventually a Master’s degree. History was his emphasis and he went on to teach at the high school level. During his teaching time in Durango, Colorado, he met his present wife, Toni, and they married in 1980. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary 2 weeks before his passing.

Dave retired from teaching after 15 years at the Youth Recovery Center, an inpatient drug and alcohol rehab unit for adolescents in Glenwood Springs, CO. Eventually, Dave and Toni moved to the Smokies and finally to Maryville several years ago. They spent their later years traveling extensively to Europe, attending a variety of rock concerts and enjoying the theater. Their later years were an eclectic mix of fun and calm.

Dave is survived by his wife, Toni, their children Chris and Regina, son Keith from his first marriage, and respective grandchildren. He grew up with four siblings that he teased unmercifully, loved fiercely, always defended, and supported – brothers Chris and Brian, and sisters Kathy and Nancy.

Dave was handsome, rakish, and just a touch dangerous. This made him irresistible. His love of Budweiser, Jimmy Buffet, and fast cars was a major part of his essence, as was his intellectual side in his avid pursuit of education, constant reading, and volunteer work at the Blount County Library. He firmly believed that education can transform a person’s life.

Dave will be celebrated next spring with a memorial gathering of family and friends in Durango, Colorado, and his ashes scattered in the mountains he so loved.

Dave’s was a life fully lived. He will be missed fiercely – and cherished deeply.