Dr. Joe Lambert Sledge, age 90, died Aug. 3, 2012, at his home in Greensboro, Alabama, surrounded by family, including his beloved caregiver, Susan Breland.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mailande Cheney Sledge. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Lidamae Lambert Sledge and Edward Wadsworth Sledge; and sister, Mary Wadsworth Sledge Payne.
Dr. Sledge is survived by six children, Mailande Sledge Easy of Starkville, Mississippi; Anne Sledge Bailey (Whitelaw) of Newbern; Mary Sledge Spencer (David) of Pascagoula, Mississippi; Joe Lambert Sledge Jr. (Cecile) of Greensboro; Sara Virginia Sledge Dean (Jeffrey) of Fleming Island, Florida; and William Cheney Sledge (Sharon) of Greensboro. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Joel Edward Easley (Kimberly), Laura Alexandra Easley, Rebecca Cheney Easley Li (Chris), John Wilkinson DeWitt (Lisa), Robert Daniel DeWitt (Leigh), Dr. David Lamar Spencer Jr. (Amy), Dr. James Christopher Spencer (Anke), Edward Wadsworth Spencer, Matthew Edward Sledge, Mary Kathryn Dean, April Dean Resnick (Adam), Jeffrey Alan Dean, Amanda Sledge Seale (Benton), William Cheney Sledge Jr. (Ashlyn), and Morgan Avery Griffith; 11 great-grandchildren; and his niece and nephew, Lida Payne Rudder and Dr. James Hobson Payne.
Joe was born on September 9, 1921, in Greensboro, where he spent his childhood years. He graduated from Greensboro High School in 1939. Joe and Mailande were married on October 10, 1943. Shortly thereafter, he graduated in veterinary medicine from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University). In 1944 the couple moved to Greensboro, and Dr. Sledge set up a successful veterinary practice. He retired on December 31, 2003. Dr. Sledge was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Southern Veterinary Medical Association, Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, and West Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, where he held various offices. He was also active in civic organizations, including Rotary Club, PTA, and Girl Scouts.
Dr. Sledge was a member of First United Methodist Church in Greensboro, where he faithfully served his church as a Sunday school teacher, member of the United Methodist Men, and member of the administrative board.
His hobbies included traveling, attending plays at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, playing bridge with friends, hunting, and making and keeping friends for decades.
Dr. Joe was known through the years in his profession and in his community for his wisdom, integrity, loyalty, fairness, honesty, and promptness. He was a man of determination and persistence in completing any joy he had accepted.
Funeral services will be held 5 p.m. today, Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012, at First United Methodist Church in Greensboro with Rev. Dr. Nathan Elliott officiating. Burial will follow in the Greensboro Cemetery with Kirk Funeral Homes Greensboro Chapel directing.
The family requests that donations be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 73, Greensboro, AL 36744.