R. L. Sledge

Mr. R L Sledge, our beloved brother, uncle, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on March 30, 2025, at the age of 72. He was the second child of seven children, born on July 25, 1952, to Deacon R. C. Sledge and Nancy Pauline Eichelberger Sledge in Philadelphia, Mississippi. He was delivered by his grandmother, midwife Daisy Kelley Sledge. In 1954, his parents relocated their family to Saginaw, Michigan.

At an early age, R.L. joined Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend R.B. Austin. While growing up, he had an infectious smile that would light up any room, even when he was on the usher Board and attended Sunday School regularly.

R L was educated in Saginaw Public Schools and was a member of the Saginaw High wrestling team. After graduation, he was employed at Saginaw General Motors for several years and Michigan Bell, all while pursuing his love and passion for education. He earned an Associate's Degree from Delta College, a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and Accounting, and a Master’s Degree in Statistics. He was pursuing a Doctoral Degree, all from Michigan State University. He also attended Northern Illinois University Graduate School of Psychology, where he was honored with the Carter A. Woodson Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Program. R L later joined the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country.

R L leaves to cherish his memories one daughter, Kisha Woods, Atlanta, Georgia; three grandchildren, Jimeesha Woods, Saginaw, Michigan, Kevin and Stephan Thomas, Atlanta, Georgia; two great-grandchildren Jimeer and Jimaar Montgomery; four sisters, Sandra (John) Parks and Bonnie Sledge both of Atlanta, Georgia, Rebecca Beeman and Shirley Thompson of Saginaw, Michigan; two brothers, Emanuel (Jill) Sledge, Flint, Michigan, and Samuel (Jennifer) Sledge, Atlanta, Georgia; along with three special aunts and two special uncles and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including a bonus daughter Tanisha Johnson and her family.

R L was preceded in death by his parents, Deacon R C Sledge and Nancy P. Eichelberger Sledge; grandparents, Deacon R B and Daisy Kelley Sledge, Feaster Eichelberger and Caseline Moore; nephew, Larry Darden; two brothers-in-law, Melvin Thompson and Timothy Beeman; two uncles and six aunts.

The family would like to thank our relatives and friends for their kind expressions of concern and heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time. May God richly bless every one of you. The family would like to express a special thank you to Hope Network of Grand Rapids, Michigan, for the special and loving care they provided R.L. in his time of need.