Mr. William Earl Slater 1930 - 2024

Earl Slater of Faulkville, Georgia (known to many as Sonny) was born and delivered by a country doctor in Meldrim, Georgia to Tom and Helen Slater.  He was one of 8 children: Thomas, L.B., Calvin, Jack, Helen, Homer and Richard, is survived by Richard as well as three children, Jody Slater, Lynn Sidlovsky (Mark), Leigh Blair (Chris) and three step-children, Fred Holland, Donna Fields and Debbie Walters.  Earl had four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, whom he adored, Rhawnie Rowland, Jeramy Blair (Jessie), great-grandchildren, Jace Blair, Bentley Blair, Jaxon Blair and Lincoln Blair, Patrick Sidlovsky (Becca) and Neil Sidlovsky (Maddie), great-grandchild, Grier Sidlovsky.  Additionally, he left behind many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

Earl graduated from Marlow School, served in the National Guard and worked at DICOA in Savannah then retired from the Georgia Port Authority.  He was a simple man with simple needs, never asking for much.  He loved fishing and knew the Ogeechee River like the back of his hand and was also a gardener and enjoyed being outdoors.  He was a wonderful family man and was happiest surrounded by loved ones.

Earl was a lifelong member of the Meldrim Methodist Church and was active until he could no longer drive.  Thanks go out to the church for their prayers and unfailing commitment to him by way of the church bulletin and devotionals.

He remained independent in the home he built and cared for until the age of 92 then he joined his brother, Richard, at The Oaks of Pooler.  He bravely battled cancer and dementia until the age of 93.  The family thanks the staff of The Oaks as well as Hospice of Savannah for the compassionate care during his last days.

A celebration of Earl's life will be on Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home - WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL located at 901 West Highway 80 in Pooler.