Gary Howell Slaton gained his wings on November 2, 2025. He was born July 3, 1938, in Reynolds, Georgia, to John Maurice and Eula Mae Slaton, and was 87 years old.

Gary was a graduate of Reynolds High School and The University of Georgia, where he earned a degree in Animal Husbandry. He worked until his retirement with the United States Department of Agriculture as a meat inspector. Having grown up in a farming family, he continued to farm for many years. In his younger years, he also served in the National Guard.

Throughout his life, Gary was active in various civic organizations in Macon County, where he lived the majority of his life. He served on the Board of Tax Assessors until 2024 and on the D.E.F.A.C.S. Board. He was of the Baptist faith.

A devoted Georgia Bulldog fan, Gary proudly played baseball for the Dawgs during his college years and also enjoyed cheering for the Atlanta Braves.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Billie Jones Slaton; his parents; his brothers, Virlyn, Lester, and Wayne; and his baby sister, Sandra Klossing.

Gary is survived by his three children, Stephanie (Larry) Owens, Regina (Ed) Ward, and Kevin (Lisa) Slaton; his grandchildren, Corey (Megan) Owens and Slaton (Lauren) Owens, John and William Ward, Brianna Brown, and Brock and Banks Slaton; and his three great-grandchildren, Henslee, Huxley, and Wesley Brooks Owens. He also leaves behind several nieces and a nephew, as well as his companion of 15 years, LaWanna Hill.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Oglethorpe Memorial Gardens, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m.

You may sign the online guest register at www.mcleightonfuneralservice.com.

McLeighton Funeral Service of Reynolds is in charge of arrangements.