July 18, 2014

Funeral for Gus McCarley Slater Jr., 77, of Decatur was Mon., July 21, at 11:00 a.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial was in Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mr. Slater died Fri., July 18, 2014, at Decatur Morgan Hospital. He was born Dec. 31, 1936, in Morgan County to Gus McCarley Slater Sr. and Beulah Williams Slater. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend that will always be in the hearts of all. When you hear thunder and see lightening, just know it is Gus racing around the streets of Gold and more than likely carrying the checkered flag! He was a graduate of Cotaco High School. He was married to Alice Gertrude Hinnant until her death on June 20, 1993. He was involved in sports and civic organizations from softball with his daughters to baseball and football with his son and was an avid ballplayer himself. Another passion he had was racing. He started in drag racing which led him to roundtrack  then to go-kart racing. Mr. Slater was employed at 3M of Decatur and then moved to Saginaw Steering – GM where he retired. He also was owner of the small engine and Go-Kart shop, Bama Racing. He will be known for his love of family and friends, and of course, Auburn football.

Mr. Slater was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Randy Steadman; daughter, Melissa Collins; and grandson, Trey Collins; brothers, Olney B., Olin D., William Boyd and Owen C. Slater.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Knighten Slater of 20 years, of Hartselle; his children, Teresa Cryer (Glenn) of Somerville, Gus Slater III, (Heidi) of Athens, Tammy Lee Steadman and special friend, Jim Whitmer of Somerville. Michelle Maxwell (Bryan) of Decatur, Brittany Slater of Decatur and son-in-law, Junior Collins of Hillsboro; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces; and nephews. He was a second father to good friend, Danny Copeland; niece, Dana Lynn Crow; and grandson, Braxton McKinley Seversin.

Pallbearers were friends and family.

Honorary pallbearer was Danny Copeland.