Leland Jed Black

Leland Jed Black, age 62, passed away peacefully surrounded by family after complications from a stroke. Jed was born in Milford Utah on May 3, 1964 to Leland and Linda Black.

If you knew Jed, you knew there was never a dull moment when he was around. Whether he was playing a prank on the Chevron drives or lending a helping hand or dollar to a person in need, he had a way of making life memorable.

Jed grew up in Cedar City, Utah, where he attended North Elementary and later graduated from Cedar High with the class of 1982. Growing up, he loved playing baseball, and according to his dad, Jed was as good a Senior League player as he’d ever seen. He also had a love for horses and spent plenty of time riding around on his little Shetland pony, Festus.

Jed grew up in a close-knit neighborhood where several families had their own sets of older and younger brothers. Together, they formed a band of brothers, spending their days playing sandlot baseball and tackle football on the west side of their childhood home, looking out for one another, and getting into their fair share of mischief. Those childhood friendships lasted a lifetime, and no matter where life took them, they always had each other’s backs.

Jed’s second home was on the back of his Harley. It was his escape from life and his happy place. He loved good old rock ’n’ roll, took pride in his mullet, and was rarely seen without a brush tucked in his pocket. He liked to be clean and wasn’t afraid to shower a few times a day. And if you were waiting on Jed, chances are he was running a few minutes, or hours, late.

Jed had a little bit of everything on his work résumé over the years. He worked at Gary’s Texaco, did construction, spent many years working on the railroad, worked at the pig farm, and poured cement. Eventually, he made his way home to the family business, Beaver Valley Chevron, where he spent the rest of his working years.

Jed was hands down a favorite at Beaver Valley Chevron, where he built lifelong friendships with customers and coworkers alike. Jed Black was known for his jokes, endless pranks, and ability to make everyone laugh, lighten the mood, and feel like they mattered. But more than anything, Jed was known for his big heart. He was the kind of guy who would empty his pockets of tips to help someone in need, buy a meal for someone who was hungry, or fill a gas tank for someone who couldn’t afford it. Sometimes, all he gave was a listening ear, a good laugh, or a reminder that someone cared. Jed had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved.

Countless customers still stop in and ask, “Where’s Jed?” And while we wish we could tell them he’s home taking care of the boys, we know his absence will be felt by so many who came in as customers but left as friends.

Jed played the role of a father figure in the lives of many, and being an uncle was one of his favorite roles. His nieces and nephews held a special place in his heart, and he loved them fiercely. He was always cheering them on and was so proud of them. But at the age of 48, Jed finally got to experience the joy of becoming a dad himself when he and MaCail welcomed their first son, Shawn Jed. Years later, Carter and Lux came along, completing their crew of boys. Of all the things Jed did in his life, nothing made him prouder than being their dad. He loved watching his boys play sports, cheering them on in their activities, taking them fishing, being involved in their school activities, and simply being part of their everyday lives. He had waited so long for that chapter of his life, and although he didn’t get nearly enough time with them, he poured every bit of love he had into being their father. His boys were, without a doubt, his greatest pride and joy.

Jed’s life wasn’t without its struggles, and he faced some hard battles for most of his life. But those experiences gave him a special kind of compassion for others, especially those going through hard times of their own. He wasn’t one to judge or turn someone away. He simply loved people where they were and offered the kind of grace we could all use a little more of.

Jed is survived by his three boys, Shawn, Carter, and Lux, and their mother, MaCail; his parents, Leland and Linda Black; his siblings, Troy (Nicole) Black, Cody (Shelly) Black, and Kiesha (Brennen) Orton; 13 nieces and nephews; 10 great-nieces and great-nephews; and so many wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Grandpa and Grandma Black and Grandpa and Grandma Carter; his niece, Blakely; four uncles; two aunts; and many dear friends.

Funeral Services
Saturday, October 24, at 11:00 a.m.

Viewings
Friday, October 23, from 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 24, from 9:30–10:30 a.m.

Location for All Services
Beaver 1st/2nd Ward Church
15 N. 100 W.
Beaver, Utah

Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. To watch the livestream of the service and share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Travis and Jennifer McIlnay and Beaver Valley Hospital for helping make it possible for Jed to spend his final days in Beaver. We are so grateful for the kindness, care, and compassion they showed Jed and our family during such a difficult time.