Eddie T. Black, also know by his family as the Goat Man, peacefully transitioned on January 15th, 2026 at the age of 78 near his hometown of Gary, Indiana.

Born August 17th, 1947 to Jimmy and Pearl Black in Sardis, MS he was lovingly nicknamed the Goat Man by his siblings. The family moved from Sardis MS to Memphis TN and finally settled in Gary, IN. Eddied completed Job Corps training and worked odd jobs until he got hired at Nipsco where he became Gary's first black Electrical Lineman. Eddie loved being an electrician, if it had something to do with electricity - he could fix it!

Eddie was known for his kind heart and his down home sayings. He would selflessly offer a helping hand where he could and he made sure that his family knew that they could call on him if needed. He was a hardworking and dedicated individual who loved sports, fishing, and "taking it easy". His favorite pastimes were getting out and getting some sun, going fishing, or watching a game.

Eddie left Gary IN after he retired from Nipsco, and moved to St. Paul, Minnesota where he cultivated long term relationships and built a strong unit of family and friends that he loved and cherished. He moved home to Gary in January 2023 dedicated to becoming a full time basketball grandpa. Traveling the AAU circuit with is grandson and watching him play basketball brought Eddie so much joy and definitely gave him something to brag about.

Eddie is survived by his two daughters Johnetta Allen and Nakia Black, three grandchildren, Terrance, Toia, and Nickolas. And his "baby" sister Betty Ivey (Frank). He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Jimmy Jr., Roosevelt, Ella, Josephine, Roland, Lenzy, Barbara, Georgia, Charles.

Eddie will be remembered for his preserverance and his ability to overcome obstacles, his warm heart and gentle spirit, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Eddie's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched.