William Fate Slay, 77, of Laurel Wood Apartments and husband of Shirley Keller Slay, passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at Greenville Hospital System.
Born in Abbeville, he was a son of the late Stevens Albert and Sallie Mae Turman Slay. A U.S. Air Force Veteran, Mr. Slay was a longtime textile employee and member of the Baptist Denomination. An avid hunter, fisherman, and camper, he enjoyed reading, gardening, and watching western movies. Above all, he truly loved his family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by: his children, Susan S. Pitts and husband Mike of Laurens, Michael A. Slay of Laurens, Beth S. Coleman and husband Bill of Fredericksburg, VA, and Steven Y. Slay of Simpsonville; brothers, Johnny Slay and wife Carolyn of Greenwood, Tommy Slay and wife Susan of Abbeville; sister, Viola S. Smith of Abbeville; grandchildren, Nolan Pitts (Carolina), Robert Davis (Kylie), Clifton Pitts, Brooke Davis, Della Pitts, Ashton Purvis (James), Will Coleman, Adam Coleman, and Emily Slay; great grandchildren, Brayden Davis, Hunter Davis, Alena Pitts, Abby Davis, Ethan Pitts, Rex Davis, and Riley Purvis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Samuel, James, and Rufus A. Slay; and sisters Earlene S. Richey and Helen S. Smith.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 11, 2014, in The Kennedy Mortuary Chapel conducted by Dr. Bev. T. Kennedy, Jr. followed by burial in Rabun Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Honors.
The family will be at their respective homes. Visitation will be held at The Kennedy Mortuary one hour prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Rabun Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Upkeep Fund, 17045 Hwy. 101 South, Gray Court, SC 29645.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.thekennedymortuary.com.