WARNER ROBINS — William E. “Ike” Slade Sr., 94, walked into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015.

Born on Sept. 15, 1920, to the late Robert L. and Lena Slade, Ike proudly served his country during World War II in the 3rd Army Air Force. He was stationed in Sioux City, Iowa, for two years and discharged after 37 months of service. Ike went on to retire from the National Guard as Chief Warrant Officer 2.

Subsequent to his military retirement, Ike was involved in many businesses including jewelry, real estate and insurance. He was owner of The Slade Jewelry Co. in Hawkinsville for 14 years and later opened a real estate office there. Ike then became a resident of Panama City Beach, Fla., for 13 years and moved to Warner Robins where he retired from Town and Country Real Estate and Century 21.

Ike had many interests including fishing and gardening, but his love for God always came first. At First Baptist Church of Hawkinsville, he served as deacon and was a member of the choir. Ike loved to sing and was a gifted piano player. After moving to Warner Robins, he became a devoted member of Central Baptist Church where he was a much-loved addition to the For His Glory Sunday School Class. Ike was a friend to everyone he met and will be remembered by all of his friends and family for his way of cheering people up when they needed it most.

His beloved wife of 68 years, Elizabeth F. Slade; parents; and brother, Robert Lee “Bob” Slade, preceded him in death.

He leaves behind a loving legacy to his family, two sons, Mike (Susan) and Tom Slade (Julie); daughter, Penny Gay (Dwayne); grandchildren, Lance Slade (Toni), Lori Lyons (Ryan), Will and Rob Slade, and Skylar and Casey Gay; and great-grandchildren, Spencer Slade, and Michael, Kaitlyn and Slade Lyons.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Penny Gay’s father, William E. “Ike” Slade to BTHO Melanoma c/o JMKL Corp. (checks made payable to this), 1106 El Dorado, Houston TX 77062 or Project Giving, P.O. Box 7996, Warner Robins GA 31095.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has charge of arrangements.