Mickey LeRoy Black, 84, passed away peacefully Friday, November 5, 2021 at his home.  Mickey was born in Greenwood, Mississippi, on October 1, 1937, to the late Thomas Upton Black and Julia Vanlandingham Black and was raised on Holly Grove Plantation in Sidon.  He graduated from Greenwood High School and MSU with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Husbandry.  While at MSU he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.  After graduating, he served 6 months active duty and 5 ½ years in the National Guard.

Mickey farmed Holly Grove Plantation for 41 years with his brother, T.U. Black, Jr., in Sidon, Mississippi, which has been owned by his family for over 86 years.  Their farming operation included cotton, soybeans, corn, grain, sorghum, wheat, timber production, and commercially registered Angus cattle.

He was active in many organizations over the years including serving as Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in Jackson appointed by President Bush in 2001, past President of the Cattleman's Association during the time of the establishment of the MSU Veterinarian School, President of Agricultural Allied Agencies, Director of the National Cattleman's Association and Chairman of its First Political Action Committee, and Chairman FSA State Committeeman.  He also served on the advisory board of AmSouth Bank and First South ACA.  He was a founding member of the Delta Council Wildlife, past board member of Le-Co Gin Company and Delta Council, President of Delta Livestock Fair Association and member of the American Angus Association and American Soybean Association. He was also an Elder and member of First Presbyterian Church.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 8, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church.  Visitation is from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.  Wilson and Knight Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.  Internment will follow the service in Odd Fellows Cemetery.  Pallbearers are T.U. Black, III, Brewer Upshaw, Chris Killebrew, Stick Young, William Leflore, Miller Arant, Dink Strain and Palmer Brock.

Survivors include his wife, Connie, daughters, Liza Upshaw (Steve), Molly Blakeney (Austin), grandchildren, Kitty Pinkston (Drew), Brewer Upshaw (Rachel), Simms and Lucy Blakeney, and 2 great grandchildren, James and Julia Pinkston.  He is also survived by his nephew and nieces, T.U. Black, III, Jan B. Stokes, and Ashley B. Daves.

Memorial may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 300 Main St Greenwood, MS 38930, Palmer Home for Children, PO Box 746 Columbus, MS 39703, or Leflore County Humane Society 1810 Cypress Ave Greenwood, MS 38930.