Billy Joe Black, 96, of Hot Springs, AR formerly of Camden, AR, passed away Friday, February 13, 2026. He was born in Thornton, AR on December 27, 1929 to Jesse Frank and Pearl Smith Black. On September 28, 1952, he married Vona Lusby Black. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Camden, AR. He was a retired plant manager for International Paper Company, Bag Pak Division. He proudly served his country in the Korean War.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 60 years, Vona Lusby Black.

He is survived by his son, Jim Black and wife, Maria of Hot Springs, AR; daughter, Julie Plyler and husband, Carl of Glenwood, AR, grandchildren, Jared Black of Little Rock, AR, Josh Black of Conway, AR; Emily Plyler Tapley of Memphis, TN; and Stephen Plyler of Glenwood, AR. He was blessed with four great-grandchildren; Madeleine, Hazel, Tristan and Reed.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Memorial Park Cemetery in Camden, AR.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Glenwood Methodist Church, PO Box 1287, Glenwood, AR 71943 or to Dierkson Hospice Group, 3954 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71913, (501-318-1500)