Las Cruces - Thomas William Black "Flying Hippie" 75, avid Racer and owner of Mesilla Valley Raceway, Black's Auto Salvage and Dona Ana Iron and Metal passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on June 20, 2020.
Tommy was born in Las Cruces NM April 5, 1945 at MMC hospital to parents Robert SR and Barbara Black. Growing up in Dona Ana County, Tommy graduated from Holy Cross Catholic School and attended LCHS. After high school Tommy taught Civil Engineering at NMSU and managed a Phillips 66 gas station. Tommy had a passion for cars and a very giving heart. He opened Black's Auto Salvage with one thought; help others and build a business in mechanics. Tommy was an asset to his community whether you were a friend or a stranger he was there to lend a helping hand. While owning the junkyard Tommy offered trainings to the Las Cruces Fire Department by teaching automobile extrication along with donating cars to the department. He used his business as a place to come together fix vehicles and teach people how to build engines. This passion led him to become manager and promoter of Mesilla Valley Raceway. Tommy offered anyone with wheels and a desire to race an opportunity on the track. Close friends tell stories of his accomplishments as a track owner. They remembered Tommy for teaching drivers to love the ride and not the trophy. It was not so much about winning but having fun and getting it done. Many spectator races happened at Mesilla Valley Raceway and Tommy always included the kids. With kid penny dashes, and bicycle races on the dirt track. He also donated to many charities and causes. Anyone who knew Tommy considered him an uncle, father, brother or close friend. If a family needed food, shelter or just a simple job, he provided it. Tommy received a variety of awards and recognitions and was inducted into the Speedway Hall of Fame in 1998. Aside from business and racing, Tommy enjoyed different kinds of hobbies and activities. He liked going to the lake with friends and family and driving his boat and flying planes. He loved the beauty of Mexico and scuba diving in the deep ocean.
Tommy was a man of many great talents, and is remembered for his generous, kind and loving heart. So, drink a Cold one and celebrate the legacy of an amazing man with a generous soul who will never be forgotten.
Tommy Black is Survived by Children: Tom Black Schmitt and wife Amanda; Sissy Christiansen and husband Jason; Joseph Provencio and wife Melanie. Extended Family:
Hanna, Josephine, and Ayden; David Spilsbury; Lindsay, Alec, T.J., and Gavian; Lauren, Alannah, and Layne. Grandchildren: Hailey, Mason, Jarno, Shiris, Conor and Emilio.
Nephews: Robert, Jimmy, Johnny, and Brian Black, Niece Gayle Castle; Great Nephews: Mike Chasin; Nathan and Anthony Black. Great Nieces: Nicole, Chance, Jamie, and Sylvia; Heather and Beatrice; Jacalyn, Desiree, and Cheree; Karis Black Wylie and many-many-many beloved friends.
Tommy is proceeded in death by, Father Robert McGhee Black; Mother Barbara A. Juen Black; stepmother Gladys M. Black; brother Robert J. Black; stepbrother Charles D. Houghton and many beloved Friends.
Due to Covid 19, services are pending.
Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home.
Published in Las Cruces Sun News from Jun. 30 to Jul. 5, 2020.
Tommy was born in Las Cruces NM April 5, 1945 at MMC hospital to parents Robert SR and Barbara Black. Growing up in Dona Ana County, Tommy graduated from Holy Cross Catholic School and attended LCHS. After high school Tommy taught Civil Engineering at NMSU and managed a Phillips 66 gas station. Tommy had a passion for cars and a very giving heart. He opened Black's Auto Salvage with one thought; help others and build a business in mechanics. Tommy was an asset to his community whether you were a friend or a stranger he was there to lend a helping hand. While owning the junkyard Tommy offered trainings to the Las Cruces Fire Department by teaching automobile extrication along with donating cars to the department. He used his business as a place to come together fix vehicles and teach people how to build engines. This passion led him to become manager and promoter of Mesilla Valley Raceway. Tommy offered anyone with wheels and a desire to race an opportunity on the track. Close friends tell stories of his accomplishments as a track owner. They remembered Tommy for teaching drivers to love the ride and not the trophy. It was not so much about winning but having fun and getting it done. Many spectator races happened at Mesilla Valley Raceway and Tommy always included the kids. With kid penny dashes, and bicycle races on the dirt track. He also donated to many charities and causes. Anyone who knew Tommy considered him an uncle, father, brother or close friend. If a family needed food, shelter or just a simple job, he provided it. Tommy received a variety of awards and recognitions and was inducted into the Speedway Hall of Fame in 1998. Aside from business and racing, Tommy enjoyed different kinds of hobbies and activities. He liked going to the lake with friends and family and driving his boat and flying planes. He loved the beauty of Mexico and scuba diving in the deep ocean.
Tommy was a man of many great talents, and is remembered for his generous, kind and loving heart. So, drink a Cold one and celebrate the legacy of an amazing man with a generous soul who will never be forgotten.
Tommy Black is Survived by Children: Tom Black Schmitt and wife Amanda; Sissy Christiansen and husband Jason; Joseph Provencio and wife Melanie. Extended Family:
Hanna, Josephine, and Ayden; David Spilsbury; Lindsay, Alec, T.J., and Gavian; Lauren, Alannah, and Layne. Grandchildren: Hailey, Mason, Jarno, Shiris, Conor and Emilio.
Nephews: Robert, Jimmy, Johnny, and Brian Black, Niece Gayle Castle; Great Nephews: Mike Chasin; Nathan and Anthony Black. Great Nieces: Nicole, Chance, Jamie, and Sylvia; Heather and Beatrice; Jacalyn, Desiree, and Cheree; Karis Black Wylie and many-many-many beloved friends.
Tommy is proceeded in death by, Father Robert McGhee Black; Mother Barbara A. Juen Black; stepmother Gladys M. Black; brother Robert J. Black; stepbrother Charles D. Houghton and many beloved Friends.
Due to Covid 19, services are pending.
Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home.
Published in Las Cruces Sun News from Jun. 30 to Jul. 5, 2020.
Las Cruces - Thomas William Black "Flying Hippie" 75, avid Racer and owner of Mesilla Valley Raceway, Black's Auto Salvage and Dona Ana Iron and Metal passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on June 20, 2020.
Tommy was born in Las Cruces NM April 5, 1945 at MMC hospital to parents Robert SR and Barbara Black. Growing up in Dona Ana County, Tommy graduated from Holy Cross Catholic School and attended LCHS. After high school Tommy taught Civil Engineering at NMSU and managed a Phillips 66 gas station. Tommy had a passion for cars and a very giving heart. He opened Black's Auto Salvage with one thought; help others and build a business in mechanics. Tommy was an asset to his community whether you were a friend or a stranger he was there to lend a helping hand. While owning the junkyard Tommy offered trainings to the Las Cruces Fire Department by teaching automobile extrication along with donating cars to the department. He used his business as a place to come together fix vehicles and teach people how to build engines. This passion led him to become manager and promoter of Mesilla Valley Raceway. Tommy offered anyone with wheels and a desire to race an opportunity on the track. Close friends tell stories of his accomplishments as a track owner. They remembered Tommy for teaching drivers to love the ride and not the trophy. It was not so much about winning but having fun and getting it done. Many spectator races happened at Mesilla Valley Raceway and Tommy always included the kids. With kid penny dashes, and bicycle races on the dirt track. He also donated to many charities and causes. Anyone who knew Tommy considered him an uncle, father, brother or close friend. If a family needed food, shelter or just a simple job, he provided it. Tommy received a variety of awards and recognitions and was inducted into the Speedway Hall of Fame in 1998. Aside from business and racing, Tommy enjoyed different kinds of hobbies and activities. He liked going to the lake with friends and family and driving his boat and flying planes. He loved the beauty of Mexico and scuba diving in the deep ocean.
Tommy was a man of many great talents, and is remembered for his generous, kind and loving heart. So, drink a Cold one and celebrate the legacy of an amazing man with a generous soul who will never be forgotten.
Tommy Black is Survived by Children: Tom Black Schmitt and wife Amanda; Sissy Christiansen and husband Jason; Joseph Provencio and wife Melanie. Extended Family:
Hanna, Josephine, and Ayden; David Spilsbury; Lindsay, Alec, T.J., and Gavian; Lauren, Alannah, and Layne. Grandchildren: Hailey, Mason, Jarno, Shiris, Conor and Emilio.
Nephews: Robert, Jimmy, Johnny, and Brian Black, Niece Gayle Castle; Great Nephews: Mike Chasin; Nathan and Anthony Black. Great Nieces: Nicole, Chance, Jamie, and Sylvia; Heather and Beatrice; Jacalyn, Desiree, and Cheree; Karis Black Wylie and many-many-many beloved friends.
Tommy is proceeded in death by, Father Robert McGhee Black; Mother Barbara A. Juen Black; stepmother Gladys M. Black; brother Robert J. Black; stepbrother Charles D. Houghton and many beloved Friends.
Due to Covid 19, services are pending.
Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home.
Published in Las Cruces Sun News from Jun. 30 to Jul. 5, 2020.
Tommy was born in Las Cruces NM April 5, 1945 at MMC hospital to parents Robert SR and Barbara Black. Growing up in Dona Ana County, Tommy graduated from Holy Cross Catholic School and attended LCHS. After high school Tommy taught Civil Engineering at NMSU and managed a Phillips 66 gas station. Tommy had a passion for cars and a very giving heart. He opened Black's Auto Salvage with one thought; help others and build a business in mechanics. Tommy was an asset to his community whether you were a friend or a stranger he was there to lend a helping hand. While owning the junkyard Tommy offered trainings to the Las Cruces Fire Department by teaching automobile extrication along with donating cars to the department. He used his business as a place to come together fix vehicles and teach people how to build engines. This passion led him to become manager and promoter of Mesilla Valley Raceway. Tommy offered anyone with wheels and a desire to race an opportunity on the track. Close friends tell stories of his accomplishments as a track owner. They remembered Tommy for teaching drivers to love the ride and not the trophy. It was not so much about winning but having fun and getting it done. Many spectator races happened at Mesilla Valley Raceway and Tommy always included the kids. With kid penny dashes, and bicycle races on the dirt track. He also donated to many charities and causes. Anyone who knew Tommy considered him an uncle, father, brother or close friend. If a family needed food, shelter or just a simple job, he provided it. Tommy received a variety of awards and recognitions and was inducted into the Speedway Hall of Fame in 1998. Aside from business and racing, Tommy enjoyed different kinds of hobbies and activities. He liked going to the lake with friends and family and driving his boat and flying planes. He loved the beauty of Mexico and scuba diving in the deep ocean.
Tommy was a man of many great talents, and is remembered for his generous, kind and loving heart. So, drink a Cold one and celebrate the legacy of an amazing man with a generous soul who will never be forgotten.
Tommy Black is Survived by Children: Tom Black Schmitt and wife Amanda; Sissy Christiansen and husband Jason; Joseph Provencio and wife Melanie. Extended Family:
Hanna, Josephine, and Ayden; David Spilsbury; Lindsay, Alec, T.J., and Gavian; Lauren, Alannah, and Layne. Grandchildren: Hailey, Mason, Jarno, Shiris, Conor and Emilio.
Nephews: Robert, Jimmy, Johnny, and Brian Black, Niece Gayle Castle; Great Nephews: Mike Chasin; Nathan and Anthony Black. Great Nieces: Nicole, Chance, Jamie, and Sylvia; Heather and Beatrice; Jacalyn, Desiree, and Cheree; Karis Black Wylie and many-many-many beloved friends.
Tommy is proceeded in death by, Father Robert McGhee Black; Mother Barbara A. Juen Black; stepmother Gladys M. Black; brother Robert J. Black; stepbrother Charles D. Houghton and many beloved Friends.
Due to Covid 19, services are pending.
Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home.
Published in Las Cruces Sun News from Jun. 30 to Jul. 5, 2020.
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