It's with deep love and gratitude that the family announces the passing of Mr. Wayne Charles Sluder, Sr., age 96 of Ellijay, GA, who passed away on Thursday, June 18th, 2026.

Mr. Sluder was born on November 30th, 1929 in Ellijay, GA to the late Walker Monroe Sluder and the late Learh Patrel Sumner Sluder. He was a member of the Salem Baptist Church.

Mr. Sluder lived a long and meaningful life, finding his greatest joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved to work and was happiest when he was busy, whether tending his garden, working in the woods, or caring for the land he loved. He also enjoyed coon hunting and spending time sharing stories with family and friends, leaving many cherished memories and laughter behind. He took great pride in sharing the fruits of his labor with those he loved.

A devoted family man and loyal friend, he possessed a generous spirit and a heart full of kindness. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, and his selfless nature touched countless lives. He consistently placed the needs of others before his own.

He leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory forever.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Sluder is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann Woodring Sluder; daughter, Renee Sluder Rogers; brother, James Sluder, and two sisters, Oneta Parks and Betty Vautrot.

He is survived by his son, Wayne Sluder, Jr. of Ellijay, GA; two daughters and sons-in-law, Abbie (Gerald) Chancey of Ellijay, GA and Sheila (Gene) Cochran of Blue Ridge, GA; brother, Johnny (Shirley) Sluder of Ellijay, GA; 8 grandchildren, Josh (Miranda) Chancey, Lori (Jody) Cantrell, Stephanie (Scott) Cook, Bobby (Delana) Ballew, Kimberly (Gene) McClure, Chris (Kristy) Cochran, Jennifer Cochran (Kyle McSween), and Dallas Satterfield; 14 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral Services to honor the life of Mr. Sluder will be held on Sunday, June 21st, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Min. Butch Jones, Rev. Alan Davenport, Landon Burton, and Bug Black officiating. Congregational singing will be led by Mr. Gerald Chancey. Graveside Interment will follow in the Salem Baptist Church Cemetery. The following gentlemen will be serving as pallbearers: Josh Chancey, Chris Cochran, Abram Chancey, Cash Cochran, Ronnie Vautrot, and Bug Black. Honorary pallbearers will be: Billy James, Phillip Sparks, Danny Sparks, Don Johnson, Dink Lanning, James Lanning, Raymond Dale, and Anthony Dale.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 20th, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Flowers will be accepted; however, the family respectfully asks that no food be sent to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Baptist Church Cemetery Fund c/o Mr. Gary Hyde @156 North Jones Mill Rd. Ellijay, GA 30540.

A life well lived leaves a lasting imprint on the hearts of those left behind.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay, GA is entrusted with these arrangements.