Todd Black

Todd Jonathan Black, age 47, passed away at home on Saturday, July 8, 2017. He was born August 9, 1969 in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended Woodward Academy in Atlanta and the University of Georgia in Athens. He resided in Rocky Face, Georgia for the past year. Todd was a lifelong restaurateur, and his love of food was passed down to him from four generations of barbecue experts. He began his career in the family business, The Old Hickory House, an Atlanta landmark, and continued in numerous restaurants in Atlanta and Dalton, as well as through his own business managing parties and events. Todd not only took pleasure and pride in cooking good food, he enjoyed growing it and shared freely from the massive garden he kept for years in the heart of Buckhead. His zest for life and passion for adventure often took him outdoors – camping, hunting, fishing, whitewater rafting, boating, riding his Harley Davidson, and restoring aged homes. Todd gave of his whole self to those he loved, and was an incredible partner, son, brother, and friend. He never met a stranger, and he had the rare gift of putting people instantly at ease and making them feel welcomed with his genuine warmth. We are all the better for knowing him. Todd is survived by his long-term partner, Shirley Shepherd of Rocky Face; his mother Glenda Collins Black of Atlanta; his father Jack Black and stepmother Phyllis Black of Long Boat Key, Florida; his sister Tiffany Black-Wilson, her husband James Wilson and their children Cade and Tallulah, of Atlanta; and his siblings through marriage, Glenda Holcomb Black, Lisa Black, and Tom Black. Memorial services for family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 15 at 1:00 p.m. at Love Funeral Home in Dalton with Preacher Daniel Addis officiating. The family will receive friends at Love Funeral Home on Saturday from noon until the service at 1 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held in Atlanta at a future date. The family requests that flowers be omitted and memorials may be made to The Humane Society of Northwest Georgia, P.O. Box 3946, Dalton Ga 30719. Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.lovefuneralhomega.com. Love Funeral Home, 1402 N. Thornton Ave. Dalton is in charge of arrangements.