Wilma Jean Slick, age 86, of Royal, Arkansas passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024.
Wilma Jean Slick was born January 5, 1938 in Cleveland, Ohio to Patricia Marguerite (Dorsey) Slick and Clay Calvin Slick. Wilma was preceded in death by Lisa (infant sister) David Slick (brother) and great nephew Chris Babb. Survived by brother, Edward A. Sr(Ramona)Slick(Hot Spring) and sister, Bonita Lou Slick(Florida). Nephews include Clinton(Susan)Slick(Bangor, Maine) Jesse(Randi)Slick(Hot Springs) Eddy(Lisa)Slick(Hot Springs) and Niece Meagan Slick(Hot Springs). Great nephews Ben(Colby)Slick, Philip (Sarah) Slick, Clay Slick, Blaine(Elizabeth)Horton and Great nieces Brooke Horton, Grace Slick, Olivia Slick, Danielle Babb-Slick, Natalie Babb-Slick and great-great nephew Gael Horton.
In the late 50’s early 60’s Wilma played on a semi pro softball team and then went on to own a horse-riding academy and also worked for the Cleveland, Ohio Health Department as an inspector for some time before beginning training Thoroughbred racehorses at Thistledown/Randal Park in the early 1970’s. A career that lasted 40+ years.
Wilma ran horses at tracks in Chicago, Boston, West Virginia, Louisiana, Maryland and Iowa in addition to Oaklawn in Hot Springs. She volunteered much of her time not only rehabilitating horses for other trainers but also assisting at local Jr/Sr High concession stands where her nieces and her nephews played basketball wearing her “Signature Bunny Ears” Inviting all to “hop on up” to the snack bar. Wilma spent much time assisting special needs children with equine therapy in New Orleans.
Wilma enjoyed her retirement not only spoiling her nieces and nephews, but also rescuing horses, cats, dogs, and chickens while being caretaker of a hobby farm in Royal, AR. Wilma never met a stranger and had friends from all over the United States as well as the United Kingdom and India.
There will be a Celebration of Life Well Lived on June 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Oaklawn Track Chapel followed by lunch at the Track Kitchen with friends and family. Donations in lieu of flowers to the Oaklawn Chapel Ministry would be greatly appreciated.
Wilma lived an independent lifestyle and definitely “did it her way”!
