Robert Huey Slay

Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL

Viewed: 1231

Posted by: Warren Holloway Ward FH
[email protected]
334-684-9999
Date: Mar 11 2022 6:36 PM

Robert Huey Slay, 81, of Geneva left his earthly home on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at Wiregrass Medical Center.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2022 in the chapel of Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home with Rev. Ricky Hall and Rev. Michael Herrera officiating. Burial will follow in the McDuffie Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Robert was born on August 7, 1940 in Holmes County, FL to the late Ralph H. and Pearlie Champion Slay. He retired from the textile industry, working as an industrial engineer. He and his partner also started Rob-Ran Factory in Geneva. He served over a decade in the Army National Guard.

Robert graduated from Geneva High School in 1959 where he was an outstanding athlete, lettering in football, basketball, baseball, and track. It was his kicking for the Panthers football team that he earned the nickname, “Golden Toe” after he made a 53-yard field goal to win a big game against Elba.

After graduation, he continued to love the Panthers and attended as many games as he could, especially when his children and grandchildren were involved. As his health declined in recent years, Robert got much pleasure being able to watch games at home on the Panthers Sports Network. He LOVED the Geneva Panthers with all his heart.

If you asked his friends, they would describe Robert as kind, humble, and loving. He was happy to volunteer to help, whether it was coaching his daughter’s softball team, driving the band bus and chaperoning for the Geneva High School Band or being “jailed” on the Hartford Square to raise money for charity. Robert had a huge giving heart, and he kept people laughing and smiling with his funny jokes and boyish grin. He never met a stranger.  

In his spare time, Robert enjoyed fishing, Alabama football, learning “new-fangled” technology, watching sports and playing his guitar, mandolin, and singing. Robert was one of the founders of the County Express Band who played at a lot of weekend dances in the area back in the 80’s and 90’s.

Country Music Star, Shane Owens credits Robert, for giving him his beginning in the music industry, allowing him to start playing with the Country Express Band when he was a teenager.

In addition to his parents, he was welcomed into Heaven by his sister, Hazel Slay Leggett and his beautiful granddaughter, Cassidy Leigh Dunn.

Robert is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mavis Ausley Slay of Geneva; daughters, Angela Michele Slay (Keith) of Eufaula, Milisa Alayne Dunn (Stan) of Geneva; and grandson, Clayton Ellis Dunn of Auburn. He will be fondly remembered by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, classmates, and friends.  

Pallbearers will be Stan Sims, Keith Risman, Danny Marsh, Jerry Parrish, Billy Simmons, Shane Owens, Matt McInnis, Bernard Smitherman, David Eldridge, Clayton Dunn, and Mark Johnson.   

The family will receive flowers or memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s memory to the Cassidy Dunn Scholarship Fund at Geneva High School. Donations may be taken to the Geneva High School office or can be mailed to Geneva High School, 500 Panther Drive Geneva, AL 36340.

The family would like to thank the staff of Wiregrass Medical Center for their superior care.

“...to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8

 

Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. "Continuing The Trust You've Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.net   

 

 

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