Mr. Slater was born October 20, 1936 in Benson, VT, to Raymond Martin and Aleitha Slater. Upon retiring from the U.S. Army, he was credited with over 42 years of Active Duty and Civil Service. He took his final retirement as Warehouse Supervisor of MILES Warehouse on Fort Benning in 2003, to care for his wife, Hazel, who ultimately preceded him in death, after 46 years of marriage.
Before becoming a resident of Brookside Glen Assisted Living, he enjoyed “tinkering” in his workshop, hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his family and spoiling his Bassett Hound, Wilma. He quickly became a staff favorite at Brookside and was affectionately referred to as “Papa” or “Chief”. While he loved them all and considered them family, he developed a special bond with Liz, Tammy, Alyssa and Lakeisha.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his guardian Mary Frances Knowles; his beloved wife, Hazel; and his sisters, Sandra and Margaret. Survivors include four children: JoAnne Wilson (Bert) of Salem, AL, Michael Slater (Bonnie) of Mauk, GA, Keith Slater (Cindy) of Phenix City, AL, and Sheryl Wadkins (Travis) of Columbus, GA; Three grandchildren: Brandy Tapley (Mark) of Pine Mountain, GA, Chad Slater (Amber) of Phenix City, AL, and Pepper Fisk of Cataula, GA; Three great-grandchildren: Nicholas and Alex Tapley, and Colby Stubbs, all of Columbus, GA; siblings: Donald Todriff, Billy Todriff, and Donna Thorpe; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation services will be held at Striffler-Hamby in Columbus on Thursday, October 4, 2018 in the St. Elmo room from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held graveside at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery on Friday, October 5, 2018 at 2 p.m. with Rev. David Helms officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Columbus Hospice House.
