Tommie Slaughter Jr., 88, of Shelby Township, Michigan, passed away on September 30, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Tommie was born on July 29, 1936, in Cuthbert, Georgia, to Tommie Slaughter Sr. and Charlie Mae Saffoe where he was the seventh of eight children. Tommie grew up in Detroit, Michigan and graduated from Northeastern High School. He proudly served his country as a Tech Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years. Following his military career, he worked as a security guard at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) for over a decade before retiring from the city of Detroit.
He met the love of his life, Annette, in 1959, thanks to his younger brother, Walter. While on leave from the military, their connection blossomed, leading to a joyful marriage in 1960. Together, they navigated the challenges of military life and shared countless adventures as they traveled the world, building a life based on the three Cs: commitment, compassion, and compromise.
Their enduring partnership spanned 64 wonderful years, during which they welcomed four children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. They created a warm and loving home, filled with endless memories, laughter, and unwavering support for one another.
Tommie and Annette did everything together; when you saw one, you knew the other wasn’t far away. He will be remembered not only for his dedication to his family and country but also for the love and devotion he shared with Annette throughout their remarkable journey together.
Known for his unwavering faith and humility, Tommie was a dedicated servant of the Lord. He was baptized in 1980 by the late Zebedee Bishop. Tommie attended Linwood Church of Christ for 18 years, serving as a Deacon and Elder, and later joined Russel Woods Church of Christ, where he served as an Elder for 14 years under Minister, Brother Edward Cribbs. For the last decade, he was a member of Utica Church of Christ led by Brother Bryant Reynolds. His life was marked by a commitment to teaching, reading and living out God’s word, earning him the love and respect of many.
Tommie enjoyed spending time on his computer, watching country western movies, listening to music, and, most importantly, cherishing moments with his loving family. Family meant everything to Tommie. He cherished family dinners, birthdays, and holidays, creating lasting memories filled with love. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, known for his generosity, calm cool and collected demeanor, and reverence for the Lord.
Tommie is survived by his devoted wife, Annette; his children, Kevin (Tonia), Michelle (Terrance), and Thomas (Alana); his grandchildren, Kevin Jr. (Tatiannah), Sydney, and McKenzie; his great grand-children, Thomas and Tiannah; along with a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth, his parents, and his siblings.
Visitation will take place on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wujek Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., located at 36900 Schoenherr Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Utica Church of Christ, located at 13505 19 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48313. A repass will not be held.
The family welcomes flowers to Wujek Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. in Tommie’s memory.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many family members and friends who have offered their love and support during this time.
Guestbook