On Saturday, April 13th, 2019, Philip “Pop” Eugene Sledge went home to heaven and was greeted by his savior, Jesus Christ. Welcoming him were his parents CL and Ruth Sledge along with all of his siblings, MC Sledge, LP Sledge, Lloyd W. Sledge, Maggie Ruth Dorsett, Mae Wiley, Thelma Price and many other family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Margarette; daughter, Denise Hankins (husband Brent Wooten); his grandson, Matthew Hankins (wife Lauren Hankins); great grandson, Henry Sledge Hankins; and granddaughter, Lacy Hankins.
Born September 2nd, 1932, in Peach County, Georgia, Phil came from an economically poor background; however, the family was rich in love and faith. It did not take him long to realize he did not want a farming life. Phil attended Georgia Southwestern College and Georgia Tech to study engineering. He, also, served in the United States Army during the Korean War and always loved his country.
Eventually, Phil went to work for Ralston Purina where he met the 62-year love of his life, Margarette. He, also, worked for Georgia Power and Motorola, but his entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Raco Inc., Diversified Electronics and Racing Radios. Raco Inc. was an early leader in mobile communication and Diversified Electronics a leader in two-way radio communication. Racing Radios provided communication between drivers and crews that changed the sport of NASCAR and short track racing forever. Phil and his companies garnered many awards for service and excellence over the years.
Phil was a strong man of faith and loved to sing hymns. He was an active member and deacon at Woolsey Baptist Church and taught Sunday school at First Baptist Fayetteville for many years.
Phil was an avid golfer and was quite good. He was a member at several country clubs including Sun City Peachtree, Whitewater and Canongate making many friends along the way.
If Phil found an interest, he went at it with full intensity, such as teaching himself woodworking. With that said, his ultimate passion and love in life was his family. He worked very hard to make sure they would be provided for throughout his life. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family. He never missed a grandchild’s game or competition and loved to give, not only of his finances, but his time and attention. Whether fishing and hunting with his grandson or building things and doting on his granddaughter, his grandchildren were his pride and joy. Phil loved taking the family out to eat where many laughs and stories were shared over brunch, dinner tables, holiday meals and family reunions.
Phil was outgoing and never met a stranger. A go getter who got up in the morning, saying “let’s go whip the world.” Phil was a man of faith who will enter the kingdom of heaven and hear, “well done, my good and faithful servant.”
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in honor of Philip Sledge.
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