Gene Kegley Slate, age 71, born October 30, 1950, went home to his final resting place in Heaven on May 21, 2022, free at last of all the pain.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles H. Slate, Sr, mother Hallie Richmond Testerman and brother, Charles H. Slate, Jr.

Gene is survived by his wife of 51 ½ years, Rachel Mitchem Slate; son Christopher S. Slate and Susan Parkhurst of Pulaski, VA; daughter, Jennifer S. Hall and Shannon of Wytheville, VA; grandchildren Mehalje Parkhurst, Alaska Parkhurst and Evan Hall; 3 sisters, Edith and Bill McRoberts of Galax, VA, Lynda and Mike Underwood of Wytheville, Donnia "Lucky" and Darrell Alexander of Florida; 2 brothers, Michael Slate of Blacksburg, VA and David Pike of Wytheville; sister-in-law Carolyn Slate of Blacksburg; brother-in-law, Ellis Eugene Mitchem and Carolyn of Marion, VA; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; extra kids, grandkids and close friends, too numerous to name them all; and his fur babies that he loved dearly.

Gene was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served in Germany, Korea and the Reserves, earning the rank of E6. After serving his country for 7 years, he chose to be home with his family. He worked several different jobs but the one he loved the most was Instructor at Alliance, training young men and women to drive a tractor trailer. When he retired, he spent much of his time deer hunting and just being in the woods. He never met a stranger and would help anywhere he was needed.

Gene was a wonderful husband, daddy, poppy and friend. The world has lost a treasure but Heaven gained one.

Memorial services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 27, 2022 at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church with the Reverend Darrell Alexander officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before service time at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Gene may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the family to assist them with funeral expenses.

Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, VA is serving the Slate family.