Gary Dale Black was born in Dr. Picken’s office on the second floor of what today is Bentonville City Hall. His parents were John Max and Maxine Black. Gary attended first through twelfth grades at what is now Old High Middle School. He attended Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, graduating in 1963 and moving on to Arkansas State University.
Gary joined the Arkansas National Guard, 142nd Field Artillery in Bentonville, and served seven years.
He met Marcia Winkleman of Rogers at the Jan-Lin Drive-In, a hangout for young people. The couple married in 1968, have two sons, Tommy and Luke. In 1969, Gary became the first WalMart’s warehouse employee for what would become the nation’s No. 1 retailer. In his final years with the company, Gary switched to the retail side of the business, managing the Sam’s Club in Springdale.
After retiring from Wal-Mart, Gary worked as a reserve deputy under Sheriff Andy Lee. Gary helped established an inmate work program. The program focused on work for county and local governments and non-profit organizations.
Gary ran for county judge in 1998, but was defeated in a close race. Two years later, Gary was elected to the first of four terms in the top elected position in Benton County. After eight years, Gary chose not to seek re-election.
He is active at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where he oversees and participates in a mowing program designed to keep the property surrounding the church looking its best.
This biography is from: The Black Family of Benton County, Arkansas – The Descendants of John Black 1854-2016
Gary joined the Arkansas National Guard, 142nd Field Artillery in Bentonville, and served seven years.
He met Marcia Winkleman of Rogers at the Jan-Lin Drive-In, a hangout for young people. The couple married in 1968, have two sons, Tommy and Luke. In 1969, Gary became the first WalMart’s warehouse employee for what would become the nation’s No. 1 retailer. In his final years with the company, Gary switched to the retail side of the business, managing the Sam’s Club in Springdale.
After retiring from Wal-Mart, Gary worked as a reserve deputy under Sheriff Andy Lee. Gary helped established an inmate work program. The program focused on work for county and local governments and non-profit organizations.
Gary ran for county judge in 1998, but was defeated in a close race. Two years later, Gary was elected to the first of four terms in the top elected position in Benton County. After eight years, Gary chose not to seek re-election.
He is active at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where he oversees and participates in a mowing program designed to keep the property surrounding the church looking its best.
This biography is from: The Black Family of Benton County, Arkansas – The Descendants of John Black 1854-2016
Gary & Marcia Black
|
Gary Black with Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton at Sugar Creek Days. Walton's comment about Black: "This is your leader!" Black was a warehouse manager for Walton's company
|