Kirk V. Sledge

Sergeant First Class Kirk Venture “Vennie” Sledge, USA, 62, fought valiantly against a long term illness and departed this life at home surrounded by his loving family on 12 February 2022. He entered this world on 07 November 1959 at Stuttgart, Bad Cannstatt, Federal Republic of Germany, as the 5th child and 3rd son of Sergeant First Class Nathaniel H. Sledge, Sr., USA, and Bertha Washington Sledge, both of whom preceded him in passing. He is survived by Merlinda Butawan Sledge, his wife of 16 years; his two daughters Jessica and Mariela; his two sons John and McKinley; his two sisters Paula Sledge Ramos and June Sledge Mair (David); his six brothers Emanuel T. Sledge (Dorothy), Nathaniel H. Sledge, Jr., Clinton H. J. Sledge, Justin P. Sledge (Concepcion), Eduardo M. Sledge, and Eric C. Sledge (Iris); his aunt Daisy Owens; his aunt Katherine Smith; his uncle Theodore Smith; his uncle William M. Washington; his adopted aunt Mrs. Johnnie Mae Tinker; his niece and eight nephews; and a host of cousins, friends, and army comrades. Vennie's greatest achievement was his family. He was a gung ho soldier in the United States Army from 1978-2000, where he served as a tank commander in the First Gulf War, during Operation Desert Shield/Storm (Iraq) with the 1st Cavalry Division. He also served in Germany, Korea, and the Balkans during Operation Joint Guardian. He continued to contribute to U.S. national security in Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, serving ten years as a civilian logistician supplying our forces. Vennie had an infectious personality and he got along well with all he met. In his work life Vennie was a dutiful and dedicated professional. In his private life he was a bon vivant, a person who liked to enjoy activities with his kids, listening to 1970s R&B music, watching sports with his brothers and friends, and sharing his signature smoked barbecue among other culinary delights with family and guests. Sergeant First Class Kirk Sledge was a loving husband, father,

brother, and uncle. We his family and friends will miss him dearly, but we rejoice knowing that he has crossed the river into paradise. Be thou at peace. "Charlie Mike!"