Michael D. Slate, 74, July 24, 2021. Born in Nashville on June 20, 1947, he was a graduate of Donelson High School and Lipscomb University. By the age of 24 he had also studied at the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”) and Vanderbilt University, and he had earned Master’s Degrees from Harding School of Theology and Peabody College. He was the editor/publisher of the Nashville Historical Newsletter for many years and was instrumental in the preservation of the Buchanan Station Cemetery, receiving commendations for his contributions to local history from both the Metro Nashville and Tennessee Historical Commissions. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Billy J. Slate and Eldean Grace Lightsey; a brother, Ronnie Carden; and a stepson, David Gamble. He is survived by wife Kathy Lauder; son Tim (Leigh Ann) Slate; stepson Chris (Chris Wright) Gamble; brother Patrick (Regina) Slate; sister Julie Slate Alexander; and four grandchildren, Mary Leigh and Kenneth Slate, and Nicholas and George Gamble. He had a special affection for step-grandchildren Luke and Jake Alexander and Will Strickland, and he will be remembered fondly by many other relatives and friends.
