Gary Lee Sloan

A Celebration of Life Ceremony honoring Dr. Gary Lee Sloan will be held March 8, 2025, 2:00 at the Alabama Museum of Natural History in Smith Hall at The University of Alabama with Pastor Keith Pugh officiating. The museum is located at 427 Sixth Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. Directions are available at https://almnh.museums.ua.edu/

Gary passed away on December 9, 2024, due to extensive complications following a one-day surgical procedure. He was preceded in death by his parents, James H. Sloan, Sr. and Zora Lee McMillian Sloan, and his brother James H. Sloan, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years Pamela Tucker Sloan; two nieces, Brenda Sloan Cohen (Philip), and Susan Sloan Metcalf (Bill); four great nephews John Metcalf (Aprille), Charles Metcalf (Andrea), Alex Cohen and Colby Cohen; and a great, great nephew, Caleb Metcalf and great, great niece, Alice Metcalf.

Gary was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on May 4, 1945. After graduating from Will Rogers High School in 1963 he received a B.S. in Zoology with honors from The University of Tulsa, (1967). He received his M.S. (1970) and Ph.D. (1972) degrees with a secondary concentration in Biochemistry from The University of Oklahoma. After a postdoctoral research position at The University of Texas (Austin) he joined the Department of Microbiology at The University of Alabama as an Assistant Professor in 1974. Dr. Sloan served as Chair of the Department of Microbiology from 1980-1991. He served on numerous university committees to search for and hire new faculty and to make decisions through faculty senate work. Students appreciated the time he spent advising at registration to ensure that they considered the best decisions for their futures. Gary was also rewarded through his experiences talking with and recruiting high school students to major in microbiology. He invited these prospective students and their families to Nott Hall where they toured the laboratories and met graduate students conducting research. Gary also wrote and received grants to continue research throughout his career. He collaborated with fellow scientists internationally and was a named Fellow in The American Society of Microbiology in 1986. He also taught a wide variety of courses in Microbiology and Biochemistry. While at The University of Alabama he was named Distinguished Teaching Fellow in 2003. He taught and mentored thousands of students during his career. In 2004 he was named as the first Coordinator of Prestigious External Awards and Scholarships in the Honors College working with students applying for external awards such as Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell, Truman, and Goldwater scholars and Fulbright Awards. He retired from teaching and research through the College of Arts and Sciences in 2013 but continued in his position as Coordinator and Recruiter for External Awards and Scholarships through Honors College.

Gary’s hobbies began early in his life. Being influenced by a couple of older boys at Will Rogers High School like Leon Russell and David Gates, Gary began appreciating different genres of music. He spent much of his early life playing with local bands and perfecting skills playing classical guitar. This led to an extensive collection of instruments, albums, tapes, and CDs. As a sports enthusiast, Gary enjoyed playing tennis and intramural sports, softball, and basketball, at UA and local church leagues. While Pam was teaching science and coaching cheerleaders in local high schools, he followed various sporting events to support local students. Gary always looked forward to fall and gathering with friends to cheer on the Alabama Crimson Tide football teams! He also followed college and professional sporting events in all areas. An avid reader, Gary built an extensive library of everything from classical literature to science fiction and spy novels to comedy writers and cartoons. Because he could read and/or speak five languages Gary was fascinated by world politics and exploring other cultures especially through flavors! He won over Pam through his cooking skills specializing in crepes! Gary expressed his creativity building banana splits and sundaes as well as mixing up malts, shakes and floats! Gary missed one of his callings as a “critic” leading him to become an excellent editor! He edited everything – professional papers, periodicals, books, movies and television shows, constantly interrupting shows to say, “Why didn’t they?” Or “They should have added…”

Gary’s wit and wisdom was appreciated in many settings whether speaking with groups or entertaining, dining, and laughing with family and friends. His curiosity and investigative nature led to his vast collection of tools, gadgets, and technology that enabled him to enrich life for humans and other species - especially his dogs. From modified doggy doors to hawk-proof, puppy-training pet pens to an ultramodern doghouse with a Dutch door, window boxes and an 8x24 deck with pool. He also designed areas for Pam’s Master Gardening projects building bridges and dry stream beds. Gary planted trees and plants from the family that will live on to be enjoyed for years.

Gary Sloan lived an extraordinary life exhibiting dedication, service, generosity, patience, persistence, perseverance, and kindness. Through his life as an educator, he and Pam traveled across the nation and beyond. However, they always agreed that home was the best place to be. Home to enjoy the talents of local artists and musicians. Most of all, they loved discovering Alabama’s vast natural diversity and cherished moments as they hiked with their dogs. In his final days, Gary spoke often of spending eternity in heaven with his dogs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter

3140 Inv Dornell Cousette St., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

www.metroanimalshelter.org

Humane Society of West Alabama

2430 36th St., Northport, AL 35473

www.humanesocietyofwa.org

Hospice of West Alabama

3851 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35404

www.hospiceofwestal.com