Harold Sluder

Harold Sluder, age 89, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away May 10, 2016 at Hospice House of Rutherford County.  Born on June 17, 1926 in Avery County, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Smith and Susan Belle McKinney Sluder. 

A U.S. Army veteran, having served during WWII, Harold loved to tend to his garden.  In his spare time, he enjoyed doing locksmith and carpentry work; and was considered to be a master carpenter.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Hazel Cornett Sluder, who passed away July 3, 2012.

He is survived by two daughters, Barbara S. Patton and Denise S. Stidham (Gary); one son, Harold Lee Sluder (Susan); six siblings, Vergie Hampton, Ronald Sluder (Willamae), Billy Sluder (Pauline), Ray Sluder (Sarah), Gerri Hayden (Dave Barnett) and Kenneth Sluder (Helen).  Harold is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 13, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Rocky Pass Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Koon officiating.  Following the service, Harold will be laid to rest next to his wife, Hazel at Fork Mountain Cemetery in Newland.  Military honors will be provided by the Caldwell County Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Sluder’s memory are asked to consider, Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, North Carolina 28043 or by visiting www.hospiceofrutherford.org.