Joe Bill Slate

Mr. Joe Bill Slate, 77, of Mount Airy, passed away Friday afternoon, September 1, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Slate was born December 13, 1939, in Surry County, one of six children born to the late Ernest Willie and Maggie Elizabeth Callahan Slate. Joe Bill was a longtime tobacco farmer, as well as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. He was a member of Flippin Memorial Baptist Church. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Kathy Sykes Slate of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Allen and Lori Slate of York, PA, and the Rev. Darren and Tammy Slate of Mount Airy; his grandchildren, Holly and Erik Waltz, Zack and Brandie Slate, Heather Gladfelter, Isaac and Alison Slate, Joseph and Chelsea Slate, Erica and Nick Cox, Joshua and Whitney Slate, and Emily Slate; his great-grandchildren, Aubrey Gladfelter, Collin Waltz, Alli Cox, Makenzie Gladfelter, Ava Slate, Eviana Waltz, and Amos Slate; two sisters-in-law, Jo Slate of Claudville, VA, and Opal Slate of Mount Airy; a brother-in-law, Jack Sawyers of Mount Airy; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Slate was preceded in death by two sisters, Rachel Sawyers and Naomi Slate; and three brothers, Jimmy Lee Slate, Gary Slate, and Larry Slate. A service of worship and celebration of Joe Bill’s life will be held Monday, September 4, 2017, at 3:00 PM at The Slate Home (backyard), with the Rev. Darren Slate officiating. The family will receive friends at the home immediately following the service. At other times, the family welcomes friends to the Slate home at 1144 McBride Road, Mount Airy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030; Westview Baptist Church, c/o Ronald Busick, 304 Fish Lake Road, Cana, VA 24317; or a charity of the donor’s choice. Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy is serving the family.