Obituary for Columbus “Rusty” Slate Jr.
Columbus “Rusty” Slate Jr., 69 of Conners Valley, Draper passed away peacefully on May 30, 2022 at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem, Va.
Rusty was born in Pulaski, Va. on Feb. 15, 1953 to Columbus “Rex” Slate Sr. and Ida Belle Viers Slate.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Ida Belle Slate; beloved daughter, Carrie Sue Slate; brothers, Billy and Jerry Slate; sisters, Gayle Owen and Becky Dehart; father-in-law, Elwood Smith; brothers-in-law, Larry Smith and Rodney “Shep” Sheppard; sister-in-law, Libby Taylor Slate; niece, Crystal Smith Evans, and special friends, Fred and Thelma Albert.
Rusty leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Susan Smith Slate; daughter, Kimberly and husband, James Stone; son, Josh Slate, all of Draper; brothers, Chuckie Slate, David Slate and Dianna Easterling; Steve Slate, Ricky and Angie Slate; sisters, Doris Sheppard, Barbara and Timmy Smith; sister-in-law, Monica Slate; brothers-in-law, Floyd Dehart and Richard Smith; grandchildren, Kaitlin and Garrett Stone, Dawson and Davin Slate and Jocelyn “Josie” Slate; special friends, Travis and Ring Eye Stewart, Jerry Dunn, Claud and Teresa; several nieces, nephews and extended family.
Rusty was a retired plumber and farmer. He will be remembered for his one-of-a-kind personality, his love for talking and the family farm. He will be dearly missed by his family and all those who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held at the family farm in Draper on June 4, 2022 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the home of James and Kimberly Stone at 1830 Conners Valley Road, Draper, VA 24324.
June 3, 2022 @ 8:05 pm
Great guy. You will be missed. My love to Sue and the family.
June 4, 2022 @ 11:10 pm
Susan, you and your family will be in our prayers. So sorry to hear about the passing of your precious Husband. May God bless you all with comfort. We’ve always loved your family.
Sincerely, Mildred Branch and Family.