ROGER DALE SLOCE

NORTON, VA - Roger Dale Sloce, a man of small stature, but who’s personality and character seemed larger than life. January tenth, on a cold and snowy winter’s eve, lying under a blanket with his great-granddaughters picture, accompanied by his companion Terrain, surrounded by his loving family, Roger was greeted to his mansion in the kingdom of Heaven, as promised to Jesus’ faithful servants via John chapter fourteen, verse two. He was surely welcomed by his loving wife, mother, father, and many other friends and family making the journey before.

Roger was born by God’s grace on September eighth, nineteen forty-eight, into a loving family of Mother Hattie, Father Nelson, and later a sweet little sister named Marilyn. Wife Euritha “Nene” Middleton-Sloce and Roger had son David and daughter Rebecca better known as “Becky”. Of those that call him “dad”, he also had a granddaughter he called his own, as Emerald Sloce-Stidham, Becky’s daughter, was Roger’s first pride and joy, or as he called her, “my baby”. Later on, Roger would come to have a couple more that called him “Pa”, his favorite moniker by far, as granddaughter Sass, daughter of David, would give him Holland and Piper. These three girls were Roger’s most esteemed and coveted achievements.

Roger was a pillar in the City of Norton community. He was as faithful in his service to family and church as he was his beloved city oasis in the mountains. Roger has been an ordained minister since nineteen eighty-six, pastoring the church he and his father hand built. Roger began working at Wise Furniture and Appliance when he was just sixteen, and in the years following, he and Euritha acquired sole ownership of said business. Roger was also a life-time member of the Kiwanis Club. During this time, Roger and Euritha also undertook stints coaching Norton Little League. As years passed, Roger became heavily involved in the leadership of John I. Burton’s Marching Band, serving nearly a decade as the president of band boosters. Roger was a very busy man, serving on boards for Norton Housing Authority, Norton Industrial Development Authority, and Norton Social Services. Roger was also known for delivering the invocation for the City of Norton Council. Roger was also involved in various other organizations throughout his years.

It was noted by a prominent city leader still in service, Roger was always a steady hand to put on any project, as he could see to it, his team could lead it to completion. This remark really resonates with his family, as Roger was foremost a provider and protector, thus the calm tranquility to have him as a friend or family member leaves a void that will never be filled here in this worldly realm. Roger’s love language was ultimately the service of others.

Roger is survived by children David “Brother” Sloce (Deby), and Rebecca "Becky-Boo" Sloce-Mullins, (Mark), as well as grandchildren Emerald Sloce-Stidham (Austin), Sia Sloce-Cradic (Devin), and Sass Sloce-Sheppard (David). Roger also leaves behind great-grandchildren Holland Sloce and Piper Sheppard, as well as numerous children forever bound by marriage, Chris Mullins, Jackson Mullins, Macie Sheppard and Garrison Sheppard. Surviving him as well is Sister Marilyn Hensley, niece Stephanie Perry, and great nephew Jourdyn Sexton, as well as a slew of nieces and nephews, in-laws, and cousins.

As a family, we’d like to recognize the tremendous care we received through these most troubling times, by the ICU nursing staff at Norton Community Hospital. We would also like to acknowledge the Johnson City Medical center, Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital in Kingsport, Holston Valley Medical Center, ProMed Ambulance Company, and lastly The City of Norton Rescue Squad team.

The family would also like to extend a special thanks to all friends and family that have supplied the necessary supplies for Emerald and Austin Stidham to provide Roger with round-the-clock health care, we could not have done so without your all’s support! We’d like to acknowledge the exemplary and selfless acts of Lotus and Pedro Hunnicutt for their contributions and unwavering support to our family.

At Roger’s Norton Pentecostal Church, there will be a celebration of life on January fifteenth, beginning at three o'clock, running to six o'clock, followed by a short message from family friend and pastor Randy Carter. In lieu of flowers, we humbly request one considers making a donation to the Church. There will be a donation box on location, but feel free to donate via P.O. Box 619, Norton, VA 24273, as well. We’d also like to note, there will be a shuttle service running from John I Burton High School up to the church, free of charge, starting at 3:30 PM EST. Come celebrate with us as we mourn the loss of a leader, family member, pastor, and beloved servant of Christ.

We’re pleased to report Roger kept the fight over a grueling 8-months battle, never wavering in faith or commitment to the cause. With thanks to his outstanding medical team, faithful caretakers, and the blessing of God's grace, we truly defied the odds and kept Roger moving forward exceeding goals much longer than expected. In two Timothy, chapter four, verse seven, it reads “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”; we feel this is a perfect summation, to a near perfect life lived on planet earth.

Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home of Norton is serving the Sloce family.