William Earl Sledge, Sr., “Sledge”, “Darby”, 71 of Westover was born February 9, 1946 in Suffolk, Virginia, he grew up on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Sledge was the eldest son of the late Henry Watson and Carrie Sledge-Watson. He went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at his residence.
Sledge was known for his loving spirit, and having a good time. He lived life to the fullest. The yellow house on Rehobeth Road was where he invited his family and friends to gatherings all the time. One thing that everyone knew when they got there was, they could eat and the music would be playing. Sledge would be wearing his cap and cutting a step, he would always say “No fool, no fun”. Sledge had a giving heart, he would do anything he could to help everyone including perfect strangers. Sledge loved fishing and tinkering around his yard. He was always busy doing something with the music playing in the background. The one thing he took pride in was his family, his devoted wife of 47 years, Diane, his children and grandchildren. No matter what the situation they could always count on him.
Whether you referred to him as “William Earl”, “Sledge”, “Pops”, “Unc” or even “BopBop” his loving spirit would uplift a whole room. Especially at home, any party and down in the oyster house. Everyone knew he was an awesome man. He will be truly missed.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Diane Sledge; one son; William E. Sledge, Jr. (Shantelle); three daughters, Aretha Amanda Fedderman (Ervin, Sr.), Kimberly Sledge and Shawla Sledge (Dana); 12 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two brothers, Karl and Elton Watson; seven sisters, Maudrece Evans, Bernice Watson, Josephine Watson, Tonie Schoolfield, Lula Sledge, Lillie Sledge and Vivian Watson and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Kathleen Sledge and Betty Walker; and one son-in-law, Stanley White, Jr.
A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne with a viewing one hour prior. A public viewing will be held 2:00-6:00 PM Friday, September 8, 2017 at he Funeral Home.
Interment will be Private.
4 Responses
During my visits to the eastern shore, I would often visit the home of William and Diane .You were always greeted by grateful host.Good and down home country people.william took his brother,Karl and I fishing at one of his spots.there were boats passing in front of us.William told us watch me make those people on those boats duck.he cast his rod and made them duck at least 35 yards away.I could not believe what I just saw.william didn’t have enemies he only friends.everytime l came to Williams house I would always get my oysters shucked by William.He will be missed.my prays go out to Diane and family.love Winston
A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. Please accept my/our condolences, he will not be forgotten.. He was loved and respected by everyone who met/knew him. I hope you can find peace in the wonderful life he has lived. May he rest in peace.”
William Earl my older brother, I remember all those Saturdays and Sundays afternoons in the yard under the trees listening to old school music or eating good food enjoying family, those times cannot be replaced. William Earl enjoyed his life, I know now that he is emjoying Heaven no more pain or medication, no more limitations. Family I pray that God will keep us all in His peaceful and confronting arms as we remember William Earl and what he meant to all of us. God is good and His love and mercy endures forever. Love you all.
I just talked to you at Sysco’s and you said ain’t nothing changed. Well now my friend it has, I remember you coming to my house when I lived in Pocomoke. You will be missed, my friend.