Alton Freddie Slade, Sr.

Alton Freddie Slade Sr. was born on September 07, 1933 in Reidsville, North Carolina to the late Fred Thomas "Spider" Slade and Libby N Slade. He departed peacefully from this life on Wednesday, December 5, 2025. He married Bettie Jean Meadows in 1956, and they have three children Alton F. Slade Jr., Thomas E. Slade, and Catherine R. Slade. He has one sister, Inez Lawson. He also has one daughter in law Phyllis D. Slade, and two grandsons, Barry Alexander Slade, and Dominic G. Pretlow. He was a true patriarch to his family and full of wisdom. He taught us the importance of having a strong work ethic, gave us sound advice about life, the importance of managing finances, having credit worthiness, and being frugal. He was a great provider and his generosity was endless. He was also a man of faith and integrity. His favorite book and chapter of the Bible was Psalms 23. He was our hero!! Alton acquired a lot of accomplishments in life, and lead by example. Alton was very humble about all his accomplishments. He received numerous awards, medals, certificates, plaques, letters of achievements and appreciation in his lifetime. The most prestigious ones have been included. He lived a long and full life. Alton graduated from Booker T, Washington High School in Reidsville, North Carolina. He received his higher education from Excelsior College, and earned an A.A. Degree in General Studies in 1974. Alton served in the United States Army as a Professional Soldier for 23 years from 1953-1976. He was a Sergeant First Class E-7. Alton was responsible for supervising, training, the welfare, and morale of 28 soldiers. He held various positions of responsibility and trust during this period. Alton specialized in Chemical and Nuclear Warfare. He received an honorable discharge upon retirement from the United States Army in 1976. Alton's military medals, badges, commendations, citations, and campaign ribbons include the: 1 Bronze Star Medal; 2 Good Conduct Medal (1st- 5th Awards); 3 National Defense Service Medal; 4 Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; 5 Vietnam Service Medal 6 Vietnam Staff Service Medal (2d Class); 7 Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; 8 Expert Badge with Rifle Bar M-16. As a civilian, Alton worked for the Department of Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) for 25 years as a Safety and Health Inspector and Consultant from 1976-2001. He received numerous certifications, letters of appreciation for his dedication and commitment to his job, consecutive perfect attendance records, as well as, a Governor's Citation for outstanding service upon retirement from the state of Maryland after 25 years. After retiring, because he was so use to working, he worked part-time from 2001 to well into his 80's at various places as a motor vehicle operator. He drove a 12-14 foot truck delivering supplies for Spring Grove Hospital. He was also a supply courier and student bus driver for Morgan State University and Towson State University. Alton's hobbies included antique bottle collecting, metal detecting, coin collecting, bowling, playing his guitar, exercising, listening to different genres of music, reading books by his favorite author Tom Clancy, and motorcycle riding. With his high intelligence, he enjoyed doing crossword puzzles as well. He was also a former member of the Safety Engineering Club of Maryland. Alton enjoyed good food, Haagen Daz strawberry ice cream, and Dove dark chocolate miniatures. He had a good sense of humor and liked to kid around with people. He could also be very funny. He leaves to mourn his wife Bettie Jean Slade; two sons Alton F, Slade Jr., and Thomas E. Slade; one daughter Catherine R. Slade; one sister Inez Lawson; one daughter in law, Phyllis D. Slade; two grandsons, Barry A. Slade and Dominic G. Pretlow; and a host of family and friends

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Alton Freddie Slade, Sr.

September 7, 1933 - December 5, 2025