Earl Lamar (Butch) Slate passed away on February 7, 2025, at Pine Knoll Nursing Home after an extended illness. Born on March 9, 1943, he was the son of the late Roscoe G. Slate and Katie Elizabeth Dearing Slate. He was married to Melinda (Linda) Gladney Slate and they had one daughter, Sherri Dawn. After both Linda and Sherri passed away, Butch met Sheryl Moreland and they later married.

Butch worked at Ford for 41 years, starting out as a welder and working his way up to a Shift Supervisor before his retirement.

In his free time Butch enjoyed working at his horse farm in Temple. Georgia. Both Butch and Sherri loved riding horses. After Butch and Sheryl married, they expanded their horse farm into an animal farm that included not only horses, but burros, llamas, and peacocks. People from all around would bring their children to see the animals. He also owned two champion Portuguese water dogs which they took to training trial events for certification.

Butch was an avid deer hunter and a highly-skilled firearms and bow hunter. He and his friend, Phil Dewberry, often hunted together and took trips to Colorado to hunt mule deer.

Team sports were an important part of Butch's life. He played football and basketball at Villa Rica High School. However, individual sports were also areas in which he excelled. Besides hunting, he was a talented water skier, snow skier, and fly fisherman.

Butch loved the beach, and at one time owned two condos in Florida where he spent many enjoyable vacations. With his love of all things western and farm-related, it is no surprise that he was an avid fan and reader of Louis L'Amour's work. He read them all!

His gregarious nature and big personality drew people to him. He made, what his family thinks will be, a lasting impression on the staff of Pine Knoll Nursing Home. And even though he always wanted to be at home on his farm, he made the time there under their loving care a positive experience. In addition, the care provided by Willowbrook Hospice at the nursing home made these last days as comfortable and peaceful as possible.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe G. Slate and Katie Elizabeth Dearing Slate; his first wife, Melinda (Linda) Gladney Slate; daughter, Sherri Dawn Slate Thompson; his second wife, Sheryl Moreland Slate; siblings, Harold Slate, Elizabeth Slate, Billy Slate, David Slate; step-son Bobby Moreland.

He is survived by his grandson, Cy (Nicole) Thompson; great-grandson, Arlo; brother, Donald (Paulette) Slate; sister, Frances Slate Stapler; step-children, Donald Moreland, Renee Moreland Griffin, and Kennette Moreland; several nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

The family will receive friends at Almon Funeral Home on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 2 to 4 pm. A memorial service and a celebration of Butch's life will be held immediately following at 4 pm in Almon Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to TMMA Farms and Sanctuary, 1570 Halls Valley Rd, Trion, Georgia 30753. Email: tmmafarms@yahoo.com Phone: 352-484-7856

Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com

Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton has charge of arrangements.