Gary Louis Black Sr.

Gary Louis Black, Sr. was born in Baton Rouge, LA on November 28, 1950. He died peacefully in the comfort of his home on May 20, 2026, at the age of 75.

Gary was fascinated with the outdoors as a child. This passion inspired a life of adventures fishing and hunting with friends and family in South Louisiana, namely Port Eads, Pierre Part, and Norwood. Thoughtful and precise, he could find fish in the Gulf or marsh. He was a true marksman in a duck blind or deer stand.

Throughout his formative years, Gary excelled in multiple sports and was a star athlete at Lee High School. His success on the field earned multiple scholarship offers. He was the first member of his family to attend college when he committed to the LSU Football (Outside Linebacker) and Track & Field (Javelin Thrower) teams.

While at LSU, the Feature Twirler of the LSU Tigerettes caught his attention: Marsha “Hoppy” Scarle of Ponchatoula, LA, who became his adoring wife of 51 years. As a couple, Gary and Hoppy heard and believed The Gospel of Jesus Christ. They were members of The Chapel on the Campus where Reverend Donald Tabb developed a community of college students who grew spiritually, started families, and established lifelong relationships.

1974 was an eventful year for Gary. He graduated from LSU with a Business degree, entered the insurance industry through an opportunity with future business partner Danny Price, and married Hoppy.

As his business grew, so did his family. Gary and Hoppy welcomed their sons Gary Jr. in 1978 and Barrett in 1980. They spent the next 20 years attending every game and performance, proudly supporting Gary Jr., an exceptional athlete, and Barrett, a natural musician.

On the professional front, Gary and Danny worked together for several years before moving to Omni Group in 1983. In 1993, they branched out to start Price & Black, an independent wealth management and insurance brokerage firm. Gary’s sister Colette joined the company in 1998 and was an integral part of their success.

Arthur J. Gallagher acquired Gary’s division of the organization in 2012. Shortly thereafter, he added his son Barrett to the team. Gary retired in 2016 following a Parkinson’s diagnosis, concluding an impressive 42-year career – 18 of which he worked alongside his sister.

Gary was a technician and expert in his craft. He was respected by colleagues, clients, carriers, and competitors alike. Known for his integrity, diligence and wisdom, his business philosophy was based on Proverbs such as 21:5: “Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty”.

Gary was a loyal, kind, and faithful husband. He was patient, steady, and gracious as a father. To his siblings, he was supportive and considerate, serving as a calming presence in their lives. He was hospitable and reliable as a friend, a trusted confidant.

Being a grandfather of 6 brought “Big G” immeasurable joy. He was intentional, engaged, and dependable. He was deeply loved by his grandchildren who cherish memories of exciting days at Lake Verret riding an inner tube, jumping off the party barge, or seeing alligators in the canals.

A devout Christian, Gary invested his adult life into the ministry of The Chapel on the Campus, both locally and globally. He functioned in various capacities over the years. On the Deacon board, he managed finances and cared for “the least of these”. He also supported international efforts through the Missions Committee. Gary Louis Black, Sr.

Additionally, he was dedicated to the vision of The Chapel Trafton School and served as President of the Board. He was quietly generous, compassionate, and took the work of the church and Christian education seriously. Through his inspiring life, Gary taught the values of gratitude, contentment, consistency, and forgiveness. He responded to the call of Micah 6:8 “to act justly…love mercy and walk humbly with your God”.

Gary was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Norman Cole Black, Sr. (Gladys Triche), maternal grandparents Louis Langlois (Jennie Charles), parents Norman Cole Black, Jr. and Mary Lou Langlois Barney, and siblings Fred Norman Black and Cherie Black Vaughn.

He is survived by his wife Marsha “Hoppy” Scarle Black,siblings Colette Black Dowden (Phillip), Michelle Black Fisher (Bill), and Kim Marie Black, children Gary Louis Black, Jr. (Caroline) and Barrett John Black (Amy), and grandchildren Sofia Mary Black, Pattison Marie Black, Naomi Elise Black, Gary “Louis” Louis Black III, Julia Alexander Black, and Elliott Jude Black.

The family extends profound appreciation to Suzanne Hebert and her team at No Place Like Home, who cared for Gary with dignity and honor at the end of his life.

A private burial service for the family will be officiated by Reverend Steve Elworth at Resthaven Gardens, where Gary will be laid to rest.

A public gathering and lunch to celebrate Gary’s incredible life will occur on Monday, June 8th at 10:00 AM at The Chapel on the Campus, 3355 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.