Obituary of Charles William Sledge

Charles William Sledge, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2015, surrounded by his family, from complications of Alzheimer's. He was born on January 3, 1927 in the Midland community.He was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Erving Sledge and Eudie (Smotherman) Sledge and his brother John Benjamin "Benny" Sledge, all of Murfreesboro. He is survived by his wife, of 70 years, Erma Marie (Smith) Sledge, three children; Ron and Sherrie (Denton) Sledge, Les and Reba (Sledge) Schmidt, Butch and Joan (Sledge) Vaughn all of Murfreesboro. He was a "Pa" to 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters; Louise (Sledge) Westbrooks and Betty (Sledge) Brown of Murfreesboro. "Charlies" professional career as a skilled Tool and Die Machinist began with Capital Tool and Die in Madison, TN. After moving back to Murfreesboro, he was employed at Greer Stop-Nut Co. in Smyrna, at Samsonite Corp. for 19 years; with Daniel's at Nissan Corp. for 15 years. His last employment was with Alexander Ford as a new and used car dealer-trade coordinator for 19 years. He earned his Private Pilot's license at age 56 and owned his own plane, a Cessna 172. He also loved to work in his vegetable garden and was a NASCAR Racing fan. He will be missed. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2015 from 4 pm until 7 pm at Murfreesboro Funeral Home with funeral services being held on Saturday, September 19, 2015 in the Chapel at 10 am with Pastor John Purdue officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Murfreesboro Funeral Home is charge of the arrangements. 615-896-2229.