Philip Black

Philip Nelson Black, 29 of McKinney, Texas, died near his home on Monday, September 21, 2020.  Philip took his life after dealing with mental health issues over the past year or so.  It is unclear when his decline began but seemed to develop over recent years, not just months.

Philip was born in Carrollton, Texas, and was a 2009 graduate of Newman Smith High School.  During Philip’s sophomore and junior years, he performed on trumpet (soprano bugle) with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (2007 & 2008).

Immediately following high school, Philip went through basic training for the United States Marine Corps at MCRD San Diego and Camp Pendleton.  He served a 4-year enlistment until 2013 as a soprano bugler in “The Commandant’s Own” The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps stationed at Marine Barracks Washington D.C.  During his enlistment, “The Commandant’s Own” performed in France, Japan, Iwo Jima, Guam, as well as throughout the United States.  He completed his enlistment at the rank of Sergeant and was decorated with the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal award.  As part of his duties, Philip performed taps at military funerals and special military ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. He was featured during a joint performance of “The Commandant’s Own” and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra as a solo bugler.

Philip completed a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas (Denton, Texas) in 2017.  He was a trumpet student of Allen Vizzutti, Keith Johnson, Kyle Johnson, Eric Swisher, and Freddie Jones. 

Upon graduation, Philip was hired as a band director at Centennial High School of Frisco, Texas, and continued in that position into 2020.  Recently, Philip began pursuing a career as a software engineer and was actively learning various languages of computer coding.

Philip’s hobbies included caring for his rescue dog, Koda, learning how to code, and cheering for the Dallas Cowboys. Philip loved to discuss all things related to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a particular preference for Thor and Captain America.

Philip is survived by parents John and Dessa Black (Dallas, TX), his brother Paul and sister-in-law Michelle Black (McKinney, TX).  Philip was very proud of his loving rescue dog Koda and his close relationship with Katie Morris.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Philip to be made to one of the following non-profits:

Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps (madisonscouts.org),

Operation Kindness (operationkindness.org),

Suicide Prevention Lifeline (suicidepreventionlifeline.org)