I knew Chuck as we were both freshmen together at the University of South Florida and had played against each other in football. He was Landon High In Jacksonville and I was from Charlotte High about 100 miles south of Tampa. He and I played directly across from each other. The game ended in a 7-7 tie. When we met and recounted the game, I diplomatically remembered that I sometimes beat him and he sometimes beat me. Chuck remembered it that he was never beaten. We were in the same group at USF that got together on weekends to play music.  Back then you had to beg Chuck to perform but when he did, his wonderful voice was memorizing. We of course lost contact, and I discovered Chuck’s obituary as I began to search for him to let him know of the passing of a mutual friend. I assume he knows. 
Tom Isherwood

So sadden to learn of Chuck's passing . I met him approximately 34 years ago. I was homeless and Chuck was working at the 711. He was kind enough to let me sleep on his couch. 5 weeks to the day use to be his joke about it. In my memory box at home I have a little story he wrote for me he called ErinErin the great blue heron
He had a big heart and will be greatly missed by me 

I first met Chuck in the early 1990s when I became a member of the "Water Street Institute," an esteemed Harrisonburg breakfast club.  It quickly became apparent, in this group of decidedly independent thinkers, that Chuck's viewpoints were highly valued and indeed, a conversation could not be fully closed without his common sense input.  (And if that input suggested uncertainty on the validity of your own viewpoint, then it would be a good idea to reconsider it.) Also highly valued were his jokes, sometimes hilarious, and his humorous stories.  From these intriguing conversations, I list below the following crucial tenets of life that Chuck taught us:

1.  The decision to move the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles was an act of treason;
2. The system is rigged --> but never underestimate the ability of the average Jill or Joe to see through the often hypocritical, contradictory statements made by those politicians who attempt to cover up this basic condition;
3. And never, ever underestimate the power of a simple act of kindness, or a gesture of good will, or a humorous observation, to dispel cynicism or elicit laughter in an often hostile world;
4. See #1.

Chuck, if I'm lucky enough to get to the same place you are right now, then let's get together and share some more stories and jokes.  And: Thank you for the kindness you have shown my family and me over the years.  I will miss you ole buddy, very much.


I attended Landon High with Chuck.  My brother Randy and I were trying out for the school football team where Chuck was "the man."  One day at practice, the coach told Randy and me to line up against Chuck to try to move him off his position.  We were like a couple of flies that Chuck just batted away.  After a minute or two the coach said that was enough.  We both still remember how effortlessly Chuck stopped us.

Chuck was a great guy and will be remembered by his classmates forever.

My sincere condolences to the family. 

Of the many abiding memories that I have of Chuck was the way Rabbi Lynne Landsberg (of blessed memory) introduced him and brought him into the fold of the Jewish community here in Harrisonburg, namely as the "only local kugel farmer."  Our friendship dates back to the 1980's as does our work together in several endeavors at Beth El. His legacies are many and one that will be long lasting is his initiation and follow through of the oral history project for the Jewish community here. The interviews he organized and later "transcribed" are preserved on cd's available in the Beth El library.  I listened to his wonderful voice both on WMRA and as part of the Beth El choir for many years and will miss it deeply.

Like others, my connection to Chuck goes back to the mid-80s. I first got to know him well through Our Little Radio Show and a coffee circle we were members of. My brightest memory  is of him recounting a long ago memory of driving a Good Humor truck one summer in Boston to help with college expenses .He told it in the droll manner that was his natural and endearing style. I surely will miss that side of Chuck, but I will also miss his acerbic side, the side which did not gladly (as my late father would say) suffer fools and knaves. He could be pungent when the occasion warranted. That humor and that pungency I will sorely miss. We will all miss.
PHOTO: A breakfast at Braithwaite Studios Cafe in Feb. 2017, taken on the occasion of Chuck's and Dave's 70th same-day-and-year birthday. From left: Arlene and David Wiens, Mike Allain, Chuck Slott, Robin McNallie. 



Chuck has been a regular patron at Braithwaite Studios Cafe for several years, and brought with him an individual humor that we all shared and enjoyed.  He played and sang his music, and wrote some new tunes while he visited us, and shared his talent graciously.  Chuck has a beautiful soul, and he saw the best in everyone.  We are deeply sorry for the loss of such a dear friend.  We cannot say in words, how much he will be missed.  Fair Winds, Chuck, and Following Seas.

Our family moved to the Burg in January 1996.  I’m not sure exactly when we first met Chuck, but almost certainly it was through our mutual and dear friend Bob Bersson.  Chuck and I were both proud owners of Martin guitars of about the same vintage.  Chuck gravitated toward classic country ballads and I toward folk. But Chuck loved music of all genres and frequently attended gigs of the eclectic Countryside Garage Band at Dayton’s Studio Café, where he also played and sang on occasion.

Two summers ago, one of the Band’s gigs took on special significance for me, with Chuck playing a central role. My sister’s family was coming from out of town to attend. My father, who loved country music and had in fact recorded a few country songs, had passed away two years previously. The Band decided to honor my Dad by performing one of his songs—No Rain Since April. I tried to learn it, but quickly realized I didn’t have the right voice for it. I immediately thought of Chuck, with his rich, gravelly baritone. I asked Chuck if he’d consider learning and performing the song in honor of Dad, and he graciously accepted.

After the gig, Chuck apologized, feeling that he had missed the mark. My impression was altogether different.  He had spent hours learning and practicing a new song to honor a man he’d never met, and he wanted to give it his very best.  I hope that, in the Great Beyond, Chuck and Dad will meet. They are kindred spirits, and they’ll make a great duo.

We miss you Chuck!


My wife, Cynthia, and I moved to Harrisonburg in 1983, and it was soon thereafter that I got to know Chuck. So our friendship goes back a long way. Of course Chuck was making life better for everyone who listened to his melodic  voice on WMRA, as he shared his great knowledge of music through his wonderful programming of classical music. Even after retirement I missed his voice very much. But personally I became part of a breakfast club in which Chuck was a member, and it was during those weekly and now monthly gatherings when the depth and wonder of Chuck’s character were felt. Although he supported the Florida Gators and I the Alabama Crimson Tide, he never held that against me! Chuck’s heart and soul were pure, and he always sought the good in people and life.  He never complained when his health posed increasing challenges, and his spirit and positive outlook always were infectious. It is tough to lose a friend such as Chuck, but my life and those of everyone who knew  him was so fully enriched by knowing him. Peace and blessings, Chuck, forever.  You are already missed!

I’m feeling a deep sadness.  Chuck was the first, or one of the first, from our inner circle (breakfast groups, Our Little Radio Show, music-making) to pass.  We’ll all miss him even as we understand
that his physical problems had become evermore difficult over time.  Amazingly, he was always positive and upbeat in the face of all those health challenges.  As a mutual friend said, Chuck was a truly kind and good-hearted soul.
He was a fine musician with a remarkable bass voice, a creative writer and professional radio announcer, and always a good friend; also an avid collector of baseball cards and hot sauces.  Chuck, we are going to miss you, big-time.

OBITUARY

Charles Allen Slott

February 26, 1947 – August 12, 2018

Lindsey Funeral Homes

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