Gifford Lee Sledge's Obituary
Gifford “Lee” Sledge, 61, of Horn Lake, MS passed away December 14, 2016. Lee is preceded in death by his parents Loys and Kathryn Sledge. He is survived by his wife Vicki and their two children Caitlyn and Samuel; his daughter Jessica Sledge Boyd (Nick) and their children Lillian, Brown and Nate; his mother-in-law Linda Cortner; his brother-in-law Parker Cortner (Susan) and children Jonathan (Becky) and Paige; and his brother Michael Sledge and his children Audra and Ashley. Lee’s journey began in Fort Huachuca, AZ on May 31, 1955 when he was born to Loys and Kathryn. Being raised as a “military brat”, he was taught to respect others, life and our country. He learned early not to take for granted the freedoms we enjoy, to understand the sacrifices others have made, and to embrace the world. Lee never forgot what made him who he was, the military. The early memories of seeing the world and wanting adventure never ended. He worked for several airlines, Hughes Air-West, Republic, Northwest and retired from Delta after 36 years of service. His ‘dream’ job allowed him to interact with others from around the world, to explore and share childhood memories, and it gave him the opportunity to meet his true love. November 1, 1991 the first snow falling in Detroit, MI, Lee went to work and met his soulmate, Vicki. On April 28, 1993, he asked her to marry him in front of 500+ passengers at gate F11 in the old Detroit airport and on November 6, 1993 they celebrated with family and friends as they said their vows. In their journey of 23 years, they shared the same love for family, friends, music, arts, SEC Football, travel and politics. But most of all they shared their love for each other, their children and pets. Lee gave to the world what he had been taught, to respect others, life and country and he carried it forward in everything he did. He took the time to show us what it meant to be a part of the world, to live in it, be patient with it, to embrace all it offers, but more importantly to give back to it. Today, we ask as a family that you help carry on what Lee gave to the world as you continue in your life’s journey. Memorial Park Funeral Home, Memphis, TN will provide the visitation and memorial service for Lee. Visitation will be Tuesday December 20, 2016 from 1:30pm until 2:30pm, the service will begin at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to your local Breast Cancer Foundation, in memory of Lee and in honor of his children (Jessica is a breast cancer survivor) or to the charity of your choice.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis TN 38119. (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life….Behind the Stone Wall.”
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