George Earl Sledge, 90, a native of Ponce de Leon, Florida, died June 13 after a long, healthy, and happy life. He is preceded in death by many loved ones. He lost his father, Thomas Sledge at age 3, his mother, Mary Lou Sledge, in 1997, and his sister, Dorothy George, in 2017. He lost the love of his life, Bina Lou Commander Sledge, in 2003 after 57 wonderful years of marriage. He is survived by his daughters Patricia Brewer (Harold) and Loretta Franklin (Donny), grandchildren Kevin Brewer, Jake Franklin (Kristy), Chris Brewer (Bethany), Jeremy Franklin (Amy), Caleb Franklin, Kara Lewis (Randall) and great-grandchildren Caroline Brewer, Christopher Brewer, Alayna Franklin, Gideon Franklin, Connor Brewer, Nathanael Franklin, Annalise Franklin, Alexander Franklin, Gabriel Franklin, Elias Franklin, and Dorsey Lewis.
At 18 years of age as a fresh recruit in the US Navy, Earl took his young wife to Maryland, where he fueled planes participating in the Berlin airlift. After service in the Navy, they settled in Mobile and started their family. He worked as a tile and marble setter the rest of his working days, earned the nickname “Big Man”, and was well known as an expert craftsman in his field. He served God as a layman throughout his life and was committed to supporting the ministry of his church. He was an honest, hardworking, faithful father who brightened the room with his quick humor, constant smile, and family-famous sayings. He loved Alabama football, Braves baseball (most seasons), and Rocky Creek Catfish men’s fellowship. Most of all, however, he loved his family. The home was a safe and loving sanctuary, where laughter was common and strife did not exist. Although fatherless as a boy, he steadfastly determined to live as a Godly husband and father, and he faithfully filled those roles well for the rest of his life.
Visitation will be held at Forest Hill Church of God, Mobile, Alabama, on Friday, June 15, beginning at 1 pm. Memorial service will begin at 3 pm with graveside service to follow at Pine Crest West. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Forest Hill Church of God Senior Citizen program, www.foresthillcog.org.
The family wishes to thank the many friends and family who have blessed and loved on Earl during his senior years.
