If you ask 100 people who Walter Ray Slater was, they'd all give you a different story—a lover, a preacher, a confidant, a plumber, an avid fisherman, a nice dresser, a good time, a superhero, a lover of life and an amazing storyteller. Ray was all of those things and so much more.

Walter Ray Slater was born to Curtis L. Slater and Ruby Callie Slater on February 24, 1953, in Simpson County, Mississippi. As a young child, his father was remarried to Carrie Rouser Slater, who took a special role in his upbringing. He spent his formative years in Jackson, Mississippi. As he grew up, his time and love was shared with three parents and all his siblings. After graduating from Brinkley High School, he served in the United States Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California. After serving in the military, he returned to Jackson and briefly attended Jackson State University and later graduated from Hinds Junior College where he received certification in pipe fitting and plumbing.

At the age of 32, Ray was called as God's servant and ordained as Reverend Walter Ray Slater by Bishop James W.E. Dixon at Community of Faith, Houston, Texas. He was an active member of St. John Baptist Church, Braxton, Mississippi, under the leadership of Pastor Willie Franks until his health started to fail and remained a member of St. John until his passing. Ray loved God and would often preach you a sermon just from a simple question. PREACH Preacher! - is what he often would holler out in service.

Ray was a caring, and loyal husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He passed at home on the evening of February 1, 2022, with his devoted wife of four years, Shirley Ann Robinson Slater, by his side.

Ray leaves to mourn his passing: his wife, Shirley Robinson Slater; seven children, Alesia Slater Wright (Chris), Ryan Slater, Walter Slater II (Tyrunnula), Phylicia Slater, Rayfeal Slater, Destinee Slater, and Zariana Slater; two step-children, Cynthia Higgonbottom and Damon Robinson; seven siblings, Calvin Slater (Rose), Tina Slater, Randy Slater, Wanda Slater Hayes, Chris Slater, Pamelar Slater McKnuckles (Johnnie), and David Slater (Marquita); former wife, Valerie Jones-Slater; 16 grandkids; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ray is preceded in death by his son, Kenji Rashand Hawthorne; his grandson, Jordan L. Slater; his parents, mother, Ruby C. Slater, father, Curtis L. Slater and mother, Carrie Slater; and his grandson, Quindarius Hudson.

Arrangements and Obituary to be Posted