John Wesley Slatery Jr.

Smithville – John Wesley Slatery, Jr., 79, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2016, at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Oxford. Born on September 17, 1937, in Bristol, VA, he was a son of the late John Wesley Slatery, Sr., and Elsie Edith Buckley Slatery.

John was a graduate of Tennessee High School, Bristol, TN. He honorably served his Country in the US Air Force, stationed in Morocco, Puerto Rico and Turkey and retired as a Captain, with 20 years of service. John was dedicated to all things military. While in service, he received his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Golden Gate University. After retiring from the Air Force, John was employed in the Human Resources field for various employers. From November 1980 – July 1982, John was Chief of Security at Kennedy Space Center and was working during the first launch of Space Shuttle Columbia. His last occupation, before retirement, was as a Human Resources Consultant, where he worked with his wife.

On September 8, 2001, he married the love of his life Paula Dabbs. A devoted and loving husband, John enjoyed spending time with his family, working in the yard and watching law enforcement shows on television. John attended Smithville United Methodist Church and was a member of Columbus FUMC. He was passionate about the Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude, and Disabled American Veterans. He was a member of American Legion Post 26, Aberdeen. Having a big heart, John loved animals and enjoyed caring for them.

John is survived by his wife of 15 years, Paula Dabbs Slatery, Smithville; daughter, Wendy J. Slatery, Tennessee; step-sons, Jerry Marshall, Jr., Smithville, and Christopher Marshall, Austin, TX.

His Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM, Friday, December 2, 2016, at the Smithville Chapel of E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Bro. Charles Coggins officiating. Burial will follow in Young Memorial Garden. Pallbearers will be Richard and Kenny Dabbs; Chandler Dabbs; Christopher Marshall; Gerald McDonald; and Gretel Guyton. Honorary pallbearer will be Johnny Buster.

Memorials may be given to Helping Hands, 60139 Stafford Rd., Smithville, MS 38870.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.