Berlan Freeman Slater, 91, of Gainesville, Ga. passed away of natural causes on July 15, 2013. Berlan passed peacefully at home with his beloved wife of 39 years Margie R. Slater.
He served as an infantryman in the United States Army during World War II, where he fought at Normandy. He was wounded by being shot in the neck and separated from his unit for an entire month with amnesia while fighting in France, but returned to fight with his unit to return home with 2 purple hearts and the 2nd highest decorated veteran at the Atlanta V.A. Medical Center. He was retired from the City of Gainesville after 25 years of service as supervisor of the Linwood Water Treatment Plant.
He is preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers, one stepson, Douglas R. Thomas; and one granddaughter, Tyra Collins.
He leaves behind his family of survivors who will miss him dearly, five children, Dennis Slater, Mortaine McCarthy, Sherry Kendrick, Barry Slater and Ann Thomas Collins; grandchildren, Tammie Paige-Postell, Brian Collins, Brent Collins, Lamar Slater, Kevin Slater, Casey Thomas, Chad Kendrick and two granddaughters from out of state adopted. His great grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life; His "Lil Darlings" Kaitlin McEachin, Kirsten McEachin, Chelsea Dickerson, Ravin Cato, Jessica Robinson, Jairin Cato, Tyler Collins, Justin Collins, Aiden Slater, Bishop Slater, Jaiden Freeman, Lee Kendrick, Myles Slater. He is survived by one sister, Merelyn Stoner and one great great granddaughter, Anslee Pierce.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday July 18, 2013 in the Little & Davenport Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Terry Smith and Rev. Junior Jones will officiate. Entombment will follow in the Alta Vista Cemetery Mausoleum. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday July 17, 2013 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday July 18, 2013 from noon until 3:00 pm.
Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at littledavenport.com
Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.
