Thomas Daniel Sledge
August 25, 1950 - April 30, 2022
Thomas Daniel Sledge was born August 25, 1950, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, to the late George Daniel and Zela Mae Burch Sledge. He was baptized at High Street Church of Christ at a young age and remained a faithful member until his death.
Thomas was educated at Trenholm High School. He attended until his senior year, when he was asked to transfer to Deshler High School. However, Thomas cherished the Trenholm Wildcats and worked on the Trenholm Reunion committee. He was the glue that held the class of 1968 together throughout the years and was responsible for various activities, such as creating the first Class of 1968 Legacy scholarship. In 2017, the class won "Best of Show" vehicle, 1st place in the reunion parade.
Following graduation, he chose to serve the country in the United States Navy. He was a sailor for five years and enjoyed telling stories of his travels worldwide. In 1973 after he returned home, Thomas married Catherine Mary Ealy Sledge, whom he had met in 1966. "You are the Best Thing that Ever Happened to Me" by Gladys Knight was their song.
Thomas pursued two postsecondary degrees. He received a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of North Alabama and a Master's in Counseling from the University of North Alabama. While working on a class project, Thomas was responsible for the development of the City of Florence Handicap ordinance.
Thomas was a resident of Sheffield, Alabama, for 26 years. As a resident, he supported Sheffield City Schools by volunteering in the counseling department for 25+ years. He encouraged and mentored students to complete high school and attend college. He also tutored students for tests, high school graduation exams, and college entrance exams and helped many to meet college admission requirements. Thomas worked diligently with Jerry Mills, the high school counselor, to ensure every student received a review for a scholarship. Thomas also served the community as the president of the Sheffield Education Foundation and chairperson of the Sheffield City School Planning Board. The study for consolidation of the Sheffield City Schools was overseen by Thomas Sledge as the chair of the committee.
He devoted endless hours to serving the community as a Little League Baseball coach, softball coach, room parent, and Muscle Shoals Twirler dad. Thomas was also a fan of cheering for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs and attended the Magic City Classic for more than 30 years.
Thomas was an avid reader with knowledge of American and World history (his minor at UNA). His passions were exercising with his dear friend Jerry Mills and his other friends at Health and Fitness Unlimited, watching Alabama football, dressing sharp, and cruising the city in his blue Cadillac, decked out in his hat and shades. He loved listening to old-school music, especially Bill Withers and the OJays, as well as hard rock. He also loved to sport his Nike sneakers.
Thomas Sledge loved his church family and served in numerous capacities; he was a church leader and secretary of the leadership. Thomas served as the ministry leader of the benevolent fund, song leader, teen and adult Wednesday night Bible Study teacher, adult Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and coordinator, and ministry leader of Zone 4. He helped to coordinate church picnics and assisted his wife Catherine with the Congratulations Grads program. Thomas was the chairman for the High Street Church of Christ Bowser Memorial Workers and hosted the annual Sweetheart Banquet, benefiting Southwestern Christian College, several times. There were numerous sisters of the church that he loved dearly and brothers that he held close to his heart. He also had a special group of senior friends with whom he shared his love at Christmas and on birthdays.
Thomas was a supporter of WZZA radio and the Sunday morning programs and received many plaques, certificates, and trophies for his service to his church and the community.
His father, George Daniel Sledge, and mother, Zela Mae Burch Sledge, preceded Thomas in death. Thomas was also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Willie Ealy; mother-in-law, Carrie Ealy; brother, Ronald Sledge; brothers-in-law, Bobby Ealy, James "Junior" Ealy, Charles Welch and John David Rucker; and sisters-in-law, Lula Mae Welch and Betty Ealy.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 49 years, Catherine Mary Ealy Sledge, and their children: Thomas Rashaad Sledge (Sandi), Faith Sledge North (Jonathon), Katheryne Hali Holt (Antwan), and two additional children he raised, Kimbria Michelle Sledge (granddaughter) and Marico Senon Harden. His devoted brother George Melvin Sledge (Cheryl) and dedicated sister Gail Sledge Walker (Oliver), sisters-in-law Priscilla Sledge, Beverly Ealy, Jo Ann Carter (Johnny), Vera Ealy Rucker and Teri Ealy, also survive Thomas. He is also survived by grandchildren, Dalen James Sledge (D.J.), Raina Marie Sledge, Corey Daniel Sledge, Kari Thomas North, Karsyn Elise North, and Asher "Houston" Holt, and great-grandson, Thomas "Kyson" Sledge, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins (who all had an individual special and loving relationship with him. He loved them and they loved him) and three special friends, Mrs. Jean Graves (Mama Jean) and Mr. Walter Rutland (Dead Eye) as well as his Navy buddy, Pete Holley of Jacksonville, Florida. In addition, he leaves to cherish his memory his lifelong neighbors and friends, Jothan White, Teneka White, and Kenyata White.
Thomas was never lost for words; he always had a smile and a word of wit and wisdom to share.
August 25, 1950 - April 30, 2022
Thomas Daniel Sledge was born August 25, 1950, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, to the late George Daniel and Zela Mae Burch Sledge. He was baptized at High Street Church of Christ at a young age and remained a faithful member until his death.
Thomas was educated at Trenholm High School. He attended until his senior year, when he was asked to transfer to Deshler High School. However, Thomas cherished the Trenholm Wildcats and worked on the Trenholm Reunion committee. He was the glue that held the class of 1968 together throughout the years and was responsible for various activities, such as creating the first Class of 1968 Legacy scholarship. In 2017, the class won "Best of Show" vehicle, 1st place in the reunion parade.
Following graduation, he chose to serve the country in the United States Navy. He was a sailor for five years and enjoyed telling stories of his travels worldwide. In 1973 after he returned home, Thomas married Catherine Mary Ealy Sledge, whom he had met in 1966. "You are the Best Thing that Ever Happened to Me" by Gladys Knight was their song.
Thomas pursued two postsecondary degrees. He received a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of North Alabama and a Master's in Counseling from the University of North Alabama. While working on a class project, Thomas was responsible for the development of the City of Florence Handicap ordinance.
Thomas was a resident of Sheffield, Alabama, for 26 years. As a resident, he supported Sheffield City Schools by volunteering in the counseling department for 25+ years. He encouraged and mentored students to complete high school and attend college. He also tutored students for tests, high school graduation exams, and college entrance exams and helped many to meet college admission requirements. Thomas worked diligently with Jerry Mills, the high school counselor, to ensure every student received a review for a scholarship. Thomas also served the community as the president of the Sheffield Education Foundation and chairperson of the Sheffield City School Planning Board. The study for consolidation of the Sheffield City Schools was overseen by Thomas Sledge as the chair of the committee.
He devoted endless hours to serving the community as a Little League Baseball coach, softball coach, room parent, and Muscle Shoals Twirler dad. Thomas was also a fan of cheering for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs and attended the Magic City Classic for more than 30 years.
Thomas was an avid reader with knowledge of American and World history (his minor at UNA). His passions were exercising with his dear friend Jerry Mills and his other friends at Health and Fitness Unlimited, watching Alabama football, dressing sharp, and cruising the city in his blue Cadillac, decked out in his hat and shades. He loved listening to old-school music, especially Bill Withers and the OJays, as well as hard rock. He also loved to sport his Nike sneakers.
Thomas Sledge loved his church family and served in numerous capacities; he was a church leader and secretary of the leadership. Thomas served as the ministry leader of the benevolent fund, song leader, teen and adult Wednesday night Bible Study teacher, adult Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and coordinator, and ministry leader of Zone 4. He helped to coordinate church picnics and assisted his wife Catherine with the Congratulations Grads program. Thomas was the chairman for the High Street Church of Christ Bowser Memorial Workers and hosted the annual Sweetheart Banquet, benefiting Southwestern Christian College, several times. There were numerous sisters of the church that he loved dearly and brothers that he held close to his heart. He also had a special group of senior friends with whom he shared his love at Christmas and on birthdays.
Thomas was a supporter of WZZA radio and the Sunday morning programs and received many plaques, certificates, and trophies for his service to his church and the community.
His father, George Daniel Sledge, and mother, Zela Mae Burch Sledge, preceded Thomas in death. Thomas was also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Willie Ealy; mother-in-law, Carrie Ealy; brother, Ronald Sledge; brothers-in-law, Bobby Ealy, James "Junior" Ealy, Charles Welch and John David Rucker; and sisters-in-law, Lula Mae Welch and Betty Ealy.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 49 years, Catherine Mary Ealy Sledge, and their children: Thomas Rashaad Sledge (Sandi), Faith Sledge North (Jonathon), Katheryne Hali Holt (Antwan), and two additional children he raised, Kimbria Michelle Sledge (granddaughter) and Marico Senon Harden. His devoted brother George Melvin Sledge (Cheryl) and dedicated sister Gail Sledge Walker (Oliver), sisters-in-law Priscilla Sledge, Beverly Ealy, Jo Ann Carter (Johnny), Vera Ealy Rucker and Teri Ealy, also survive Thomas. He is also survived by grandchildren, Dalen James Sledge (D.J.), Raina Marie Sledge, Corey Daniel Sledge, Kari Thomas North, Karsyn Elise North, and Asher "Houston" Holt, and great-grandson, Thomas "Kyson" Sledge, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins (who all had an individual special and loving relationship with him. He loved them and they loved him) and three special friends, Mrs. Jean Graves (Mama Jean) and Mr. Walter Rutland (Dead Eye) as well as his Navy buddy, Pete Holley of Jacksonville, Florida. In addition, he leaves to cherish his memory his lifelong neighbors and friends, Jothan White, Teneka White, and Kenyata White.
Thomas was never lost for words; he always had a smile and a word of wit and wisdom to share.
Thomas Daniel Sledge
August 25, 1950 - April 30, 2022
Thomas Daniel Sledge was born August 25, 1950, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, to the late George Daniel and Zela Mae Burch Sledge. He was baptized at High Street Church of Christ at a young age and remained a faithful member until his death.
Thomas was educated at Trenholm High School. He attended until his senior year, when he was asked to transfer to Deshler High School. However, Thomas cherished the Trenholm Wildcats and worked on the Trenholm Reunion committee. He was the glue that held the class of 1968 together throughout the years and was responsible for various activities, such as creating the first Class of 1968 Legacy scholarship. In 2017, the class won "Best of Show" vehicle, 1st place in the reunion parade.
Following graduation, he chose to serve the country in the United States Navy. He was a sailor for five years and enjoyed telling stories of his travels worldwide. In 1973 after he returned home, Thomas married Catherine Mary Ealy Sledge, whom he had met in 1966. "You are the Best Thing that Ever Happened to Me" by Gladys Knight was their song.
Thomas pursued two postsecondary degrees. He received a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of North Alabama and a Master's in Counseling from the University of North Alabama. While working on a class project, Thomas was responsible for the development of the City of Florence Handicap ordinance.
Thomas was a resident of Sheffield, Alabama, for 26 years. As a resident, he supported Sheffield City Schools by volunteering in the counseling department for 25+ years. He encouraged and mentored students to complete high school and attend college. He also tutored students for tests, high school graduation exams, and college entrance exams and helped many to meet college admission requirements. Thomas worked diligently with Jerry Mills, the high school counselor, to ensure every student received a review for a scholarship. Thomas also served the community as the president of the Sheffield Education Foundation and chairperson of the Sheffield City School Planning Board. The study for consolidation of the Sheffield City Schools was overseen by Thomas Sledge as the chair of the committee.
He devoted endless hours to serving the community as a Little League Baseball coach, softball coach, room parent, and Muscle Shoals Twirler dad. Thomas was also a fan of cheering for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs and attended the Magic City Classic for more than 30 years.
Thomas was an avid reader with knowledge of American and World history (his minor at UNA). His passions were exercising with his dear friend Jerry Mills and his other friends at Health and Fitness Unlimited, watching Alabama football, dressing sharp, and cruising the city in his blue Cadillac, decked out in his hat and shades. He loved listening to old-school music, especially Bill Withers and the OJays, as well as hard rock. He also loved to sport his Nike sneakers.
Thomas Sledge loved his church family and served in numerous capacities; he was a church leader and secretary of the leadership. Thomas served as the ministry leader of the benevolent fund, song leader, teen and adult Wednesday night Bible Study teacher, adult Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and coordinator, and ministry leader of Zone 4. He helped to coordinate church picnics and assisted his wife Catherine with the Congratulations Grads program. Thomas was the chairman for the High Street Church of Christ Bowser Memorial Workers and hosted the annual Sweetheart Banquet, benefiting Southwestern Christian College, several times. There were numerous sisters of the church that he loved dearly and brothers that he held close to his heart. He also had a special group of senior friends with whom he shared his love at Christmas and on birthdays.
Thomas was a supporter of WZZA radio and the Sunday morning programs and received many plaques, certificates, and trophies for his service to his church and the community.
His father, George Daniel Sledge, and mother, Zela Mae Burch Sledge, preceded Thomas in death. Thomas was also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Willie Ealy; mother-in-law, Carrie Ealy; brother, Ronald Sledge; brothers-in-law, Bobby Ealy, James "Junior" Ealy, Charles Welch and John David Rucker; and sisters-in-law, Lula Mae Welch and Betty Ealy.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 49 years, Catherine Mary Ealy Sledge, and their children: Thomas Rashaad Sledge (Sandi), Faith Sledge North (Jonathon), Katheryne Hali Holt (Antwan), and two additional children he raised, Kimbria Michelle Sledge (granddaughter) and Marico Senon Harden. His devoted brother George Melvin Sledge (Cheryl) and dedicated sister Gail Sledge Walker (Oliver), sisters-in-law Priscilla Sledge, Beverly Ealy, Jo Ann Carter (Johnny), Vera Ealy Rucker and Teri Ealy, also survive Thomas. He is also survived by grandchildren, Dalen James Sledge (D.J.), Raina Marie Sledge, Corey Daniel Sledge, Kari Thomas North, Karsyn Elise North, and Asher "Houston" Holt, and great-grandson, Thomas "Kyson" Sledge, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins (who all had an individual special and loving relationship with him. He loved them and they loved him) and three special friends, Mrs. Jean Graves (Mama Jean) and Mr. Walter Rutland (Dead Eye) as well as his Navy buddy, Pete Holley of Jacksonville, Florida. In addition, he leaves to cherish his memory his lifelong neighbors and friends, Jothan White, Teneka White, and Kenyata White.
Thomas was never lost for words; he always had a smile and a word of wit and wisdom to share.
August 25, 1950 - April 30, 2022
Thomas Daniel Sledge was born August 25, 1950, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, to the late George Daniel and Zela Mae Burch Sledge. He was baptized at High Street Church of Christ at a young age and remained a faithful member until his death.
Thomas was educated at Trenholm High School. He attended until his senior year, when he was asked to transfer to Deshler High School. However, Thomas cherished the Trenholm Wildcats and worked on the Trenholm Reunion committee. He was the glue that held the class of 1968 together throughout the years and was responsible for various activities, such as creating the first Class of 1968 Legacy scholarship. In 2017, the class won "Best of Show" vehicle, 1st place in the reunion parade.
Following graduation, he chose to serve the country in the United States Navy. He was a sailor for five years and enjoyed telling stories of his travels worldwide. In 1973 after he returned home, Thomas married Catherine Mary Ealy Sledge, whom he had met in 1966. "You are the Best Thing that Ever Happened to Me" by Gladys Knight was their song.
Thomas pursued two postsecondary degrees. He received a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of North Alabama and a Master's in Counseling from the University of North Alabama. While working on a class project, Thomas was responsible for the development of the City of Florence Handicap ordinance.
Thomas was a resident of Sheffield, Alabama, for 26 years. As a resident, he supported Sheffield City Schools by volunteering in the counseling department for 25+ years. He encouraged and mentored students to complete high school and attend college. He also tutored students for tests, high school graduation exams, and college entrance exams and helped many to meet college admission requirements. Thomas worked diligently with Jerry Mills, the high school counselor, to ensure every student received a review for a scholarship. Thomas also served the community as the president of the Sheffield Education Foundation and chairperson of the Sheffield City School Planning Board. The study for consolidation of the Sheffield City Schools was overseen by Thomas Sledge as the chair of the committee.
He devoted endless hours to serving the community as a Little League Baseball coach, softball coach, room parent, and Muscle Shoals Twirler dad. Thomas was also a fan of cheering for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs and attended the Magic City Classic for more than 30 years.
Thomas was an avid reader with knowledge of American and World history (his minor at UNA). His passions were exercising with his dear friend Jerry Mills and his other friends at Health and Fitness Unlimited, watching Alabama football, dressing sharp, and cruising the city in his blue Cadillac, decked out in his hat and shades. He loved listening to old-school music, especially Bill Withers and the OJays, as well as hard rock. He also loved to sport his Nike sneakers.
Thomas Sledge loved his church family and served in numerous capacities; he was a church leader and secretary of the leadership. Thomas served as the ministry leader of the benevolent fund, song leader, teen and adult Wednesday night Bible Study teacher, adult Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and coordinator, and ministry leader of Zone 4. He helped to coordinate church picnics and assisted his wife Catherine with the Congratulations Grads program. Thomas was the chairman for the High Street Church of Christ Bowser Memorial Workers and hosted the annual Sweetheart Banquet, benefiting Southwestern Christian College, several times. There were numerous sisters of the church that he loved dearly and brothers that he held close to his heart. He also had a special group of senior friends with whom he shared his love at Christmas and on birthdays.
Thomas was a supporter of WZZA radio and the Sunday morning programs and received many plaques, certificates, and trophies for his service to his church and the community.
His father, George Daniel Sledge, and mother, Zela Mae Burch Sledge, preceded Thomas in death. Thomas was also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Willie Ealy; mother-in-law, Carrie Ealy; brother, Ronald Sledge; brothers-in-law, Bobby Ealy, James "Junior" Ealy, Charles Welch and John David Rucker; and sisters-in-law, Lula Mae Welch and Betty Ealy.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 49 years, Catherine Mary Ealy Sledge, and their children: Thomas Rashaad Sledge (Sandi), Faith Sledge North (Jonathon), Katheryne Hali Holt (Antwan), and two additional children he raised, Kimbria Michelle Sledge (granddaughter) and Marico Senon Harden. His devoted brother George Melvin Sledge (Cheryl) and dedicated sister Gail Sledge Walker (Oliver), sisters-in-law Priscilla Sledge, Beverly Ealy, Jo Ann Carter (Johnny), Vera Ealy Rucker and Teri Ealy, also survive Thomas. He is also survived by grandchildren, Dalen James Sledge (D.J.), Raina Marie Sledge, Corey Daniel Sledge, Kari Thomas North, Karsyn Elise North, and Asher "Houston" Holt, and great-grandson, Thomas "Kyson" Sledge, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins (who all had an individual special and loving relationship with him. He loved them and they loved him) and three special friends, Mrs. Jean Graves (Mama Jean) and Mr. Walter Rutland (Dead Eye) as well as his Navy buddy, Pete Holley of Jacksonville, Florida. In addition, he leaves to cherish his memory his lifelong neighbors and friends, Jothan White, Teneka White, and Kenyata White.
Thomas was never lost for words; he always had a smile and a word of wit and wisdom to share.
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