William "Bill" James Sloan Jr.

William James (Bill) Sloan, Jr., ascended into eternity on April 5, 2024, 3 months shy of his 101st birthday. Born in Dallas, 7/17/23, he grew up in East Dallas until 1933. During the depression, his family moved to a farm near Able Springs Community, east of Dallas. His mother lasted one year, as she was a city girl - but the kids loved it. They moved back to Oak Cliff, then Pleasant Grove- a great place to live. His family attended Pleasant Grove First Baptist. After graduating from Pleasant Grove H.S., ’41, Bill started his long career at Southwestern Life. In Sales Training there he maintained many friendships. After 35 years he became a sales agent.

In WWII he was proud to serve in the Navy for 4 years-“I didn’t have many war stories to tell”, but served on the FDR Aircraft Carrier. He attended SMU while continuing work at SWL, graduating ’49. He then married his beloved Vita Durell, on December 1, 1950- “after dating only 6 months-our marriage only lasted 59 years!” until Vita passed away.

Vita and Bill loved to travel, play bridge, 42, entertain friends and family, and laugh. He was a gentleman farmer, but reluctant fisherman, and enjoyed various chores at the “farm” in Canton, Texas.

Bill was a lover of music, took piano from his mother: “I wouldn’t practice for her, so I didn’t progress like I should. Biggest regret of my life that I didn’t continue.” He continued to play until recently. He had been a church choir member for 69 years, at Colonial Baptist and Shiloh Terrace. He enjoyed singing in a Men’s Gospel group for 21 years.

A 75 year member of the Downtown YMCA, he was the longest, oldest, active member until health issues intervened, visiting Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He attributed his longevity to exercise. It was his “country club” spawning many close friends.

Moving to his senior living apartment gave him a whole new host of friends; he loved it.

Bill thrived on social interaction, literally never meeting a stranger. He was always game for anything, loved to “visit” with most anyone and listened well. He just loved life, his Lord, his family (especially his only grandchild). He was a friend to many and a gentleman to all. He will be greatly missed.

Bill was preceded in death by wife, Vita Durell Sloan; parents William and Annie Lee Sloan; brothers Howard Sloan and Earl Sloan; sister, Nell Halbrook. He is survived by daughter, Kathy Crim; son, David Sloan (Jeni), grandson, Peyton James Crim, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, requesting contributions to Shiloh Terrace Baptist Church, T.Boone Pickens YMCA or the charity of your choice. Many thanks to his loving caregivers: Susie, Dyan and Chanell.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 12th, from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas, TX.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 13th at 2:00pm at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home in Dallas, TX

Reception to follow service at Five Star Premier Senior Living, 5455 La Sierra Dr. Dallas, TX 75231. Everyone invited.