Joel Larry Black

Joel Larry Black of Statesville passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025. Larry was born in Statesville on May 16, 1938, to James Lauren Black and Nellie Goodin Black. After Larry graduated from Statesville Senior High School in 1956, he attended Mitchell Community College where he received a degree in accounting. While attending college he worked part-time with his father at Shavor Motor Company. Larry soon realized he had a talent for selling cars and a love for people.

In 1954, Larry met his wife Margaret Janis Reynolds who turned out to be the love of his life. Larry and Janis married in 1958 and were married for 67 years. They had two children, Sherri and Myron.

In 1974, Larry took over as Dealer Principle of Shaver Motor Company and changed the name to Black Pontiac where he became better known as "The Greater Car Trader". Larry served on the General Motors Presidents Dealer Advisory Council in 1983. Larry fully enjoyed working every day with his wonderful customers and all his employees. Up to his last days, he would always end his conversations with his son asking how the employees were doing at the dealerships and making sure they were being taken care of.

In Larry's spare time he enjoyed playing guitar, singing and playing golf. During the winter months, he enjoyed going on fishing trips with a few of his closest friends.

Larry is predeceased by his mother, Nellie Black; father, Lauren Black; sister, Jean Summers; brother-in-law, Donald Summers; and grandson, Kegan McInnis. He is survived by his wife, Janis; daughter, Sherri McInnis; son-in-law, Mark McInnis; son, Myron Black; daughter-in-law, Tara Black; grandchildren, Lauren Trehudic, Jillian McInnis, Cami McInnis, Delilah McInnis, Tristan Black, and Justyn Black; and great-grandchildren, Selaven Trehudic and Bleuzenn Trehudic.

Larry was a person of great character and a helpful friend to many. He was a faithful member of Diamond Hill Baptist Church. Larry told people he wasn't afraid of dying because he knew he was going to be with the Lord, and that he felt he had truly lived the "American Dream".

There will be a graveside service at 1:00 PM on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Oakwood Cemetery with Rev. Larry Holleman officiating. The family will speak with friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Hospice of Iredell County and/or Diamond Hill Baptist Church. The family would like to thank all the wonderful people from Hospice and our private caretakers for all the amazing care they have given to our family over the last several months.

Troutman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Black family.