MSgt. Luther Richard Sluder

MSgt. Luther Richard “Lou” Sluder, United States Air Force, Retired, age 86 of Yulee passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Lou was born on September 22, 1937 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Luther and Gertrude (Fuss) Sluder. He went on to join the United States Air Force, where he served proudly for twenty-two years working on Electronic Warfare Systems.  After leaving the service, he would continue to work in the field as an engineer for Rockwell International in Tehran, Iran, Newport News, Virginia and retiring at Kingsbay, Georgia where he worked on submarines and was a technical advisor.

In his early years, Lou was a professional level men’s volleyball player and was even invited to the 1968 Olympic Trials, but his dedication to his military career prevented him from taking part. Lou was an avid hunter, he loved riding in the woods and running dogs with family and friends.

Lou was an instrumental leader in the growth and success of the Nassau Moose Lodge 2352 where he served as administrator for nearly thirty years. He was proud to receive his Pilgrim degree in 2023.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, siblings: Sarah Vancott, Wiley Sluder, Lois Epperson, Linda Costley, and Butch Sluder; like a son: Tim Hatfield, and his loving wife of sixty-six years: Mrs. Mary Sluder.

He leaves behind a great legacy, children: Richard (Lynn) Sluder, William (Carrie, deceased) Sluder, Donna (Stephen) Lee, and Douglas (Regina) Sluder all of Yulee; six grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; a sister: Deborah Pear of Atlanta as well as numerous extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the Nassau Moose Lodge 2352 at 2:00 PM. He will be laid to rest at a later date with his wife in Panacea Cemetery.

Hawke M.T. Forbes and Henry “Hank” Forbes, Jr. of Forbes Funeral Home are honored to assist the family with the arrangements. 409 West Macclenny Avenue, Macclenny, Florida 32063 “With Your Family In Mind”. (904) 259-4600. Please leave your condolences for the family in the online guestbook at www.forbesfuneralhome.net

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