Lafayette, LA - Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM in La Chapelle de Martin & Castille in Lafayette for William Thomas "Tom" Black, III, 81, who passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center.

The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille's DOWNTOWN location on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM, with a Rosary recited at 9:30 AM. Deacon Kyle Polozola will conduct the funeral services.

Tom was born on October 6, 1943 in San Francisco, California on the corner of Haight-Ashbury (Tom considered himself the first hippie) and grew up in Quitman, Texas. He was the son of Grace Cox Black and William T. Black, Jr. He graduated from Quitman High School and later, Baylor University. Tom worked for Gary Ruffin in Waco, Texas while attending Baylor and moved to Lafayette, Louisiana when Gary opened Wormser's Men Store, later known as Gary Ruffin's. He proudly served in the Army Reserves.

Tom married Barbara Abdalla in 1977 and together, they had two daughters. Tom managed the Men's department at Abdalla's until it closed in 2005. He was a founding member of the Krewe of Bonaparte, a member of the Krewe of Gabriel and Lafayette Townhouse. He was also a member of the Southwest Mardi Gras Association.

Tom's expertise in classic American men's fashion was evidenced by his seemingly effortless, consistent style. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and poker player. In 2013, he advanced to the final table of the World Series Omaha poker tournament in Las Vegas, where the ESPN commentator affectionately referred to him as the "elder statesman." He loved traveling and spending time outdoors. Tom would feed the birds and squirrels in his backyard daily.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Abdalla Black and his two daughters, Bradley Elizabeth Black and Amanda Barron "Barrie" Black.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Grace Cox Black and William Thomas Black, Jr.

Pallbearers will be Don Burts, Charles Chatelain, Robert Copeland, Freddie Dejean, Ralph Kraft, Andrew Mahtook, John Joseph Mendell, and Patrick Tucker. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Brian Barnes, Gene Blevins, Tom Galloway, and John McKnight.

Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in Tom's name to the following: LPB (his favorite TV station), 7733 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2319 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA 70503, the Discalced Carmelite Nuns Monastery of Mary, Mother of Grace, 1250 Carmel Drive, Lafayette, LA 70501, or the charity of your choice.

A heartfelt appreciation is extended by the Black family to the doctors and staff of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, especially the Intensive Care Unit for their compassionate care.

View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com

Martin & Castille-DOWNTOWN-330 St. Landry St., Lafayette, LA 70506, 337-234-2311