Alan Richard Black passed peacefully, surrounded by people he loved on January 18, 2025.

Born and raised in Petts Wood, UK, he was a Man of Kent – but his stomping grounds were in London. He grew up in a large, loving, and hospitable family. He gained a scholarship to Bromley Grammar School where he excelled at languages. His early years were filled with large, festive gatherings and he developed wonderful interpersonal skills at an early age, working for his father in the family electronics shop called Queensway Radio.

The world’s cultures have always captivated Alan. He started his career in the travel industry, which saw him move to Hong Kong and which allowed him to travel to scores of countries, where he developed his deep respect for the similarities connecting people around the globe. In later years he built a very successful technology business supporting the state of West Virginia.

He adored conversation and dinner parties with the people he knew and loved – as well as strangers who would become friends. Alan was a royalist, a Tory, a Republican, and a conservationist. He became a proud American citizen 15 years ago. His passions included fine dining, whisky, film, and Halloween, when he’d turn his East End home into an extravaganza for trick or treaters and porch regulars. His greatest joy came from the joy of others.

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Iris and Arthur Black.

He is survived by his wife, Shannon and his two poodles, Winston and Thatcher, along with his brothers – Malcolm, Stephen, and Ian Black – and his cousins, Bruce Nelson and Christine Haynes, whom he considered a brother and sister. His legacy remains, as well, with several nieces, nephews, in-laws, and many close friends.

Alan’s body will be cremated and his ashes returned to the UK to be scattered in the same remembrance gardens as his parents and grandparents.  A local celebration of his life will be announced in the near future.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the World Wildlife Fund www.worldwildlife.org

Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.