Luther Edward “Eddie” Slater, Jr., 82, of Indianola, passed away Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, at his home.
Eddie was born June 19, 1935 in Greenville, to Luther Edward and Ann Parr Slater. He married Dorothy Ruth Watson in 1956, and they made their home in Indianola. Eddie founded Slater’s Jigs in 1969. He also worked for Mississippi Power and Light for 26½ years before operating Slater’s full time. He was a seven-time Crappie Fishing Champion of Mississippi and was inducted into the first Hall of Fame class of the Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Museum. Eddie was an avid outdoorsman and fisherman and spent much of his time designing and developing the World-Famous Slater's jigs, fishing poles, reels, and line guides. He also wrote a book, “Around The Bend Up The River” with longtime friend, Rev. Richard Wiman. Eddie was a “fisherman of men for Jesus.” He was a member of Roundaway Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. Eddie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Jean.
Eddie is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dot Slater; son, Jimmy Slater and wife Kay; daughter, Valina Slater all of Indianola; brother, Paul Slater and wife Linda of Lucedale; three sisters, June Flores and husband Raymond of Huntsville, Ala., Pat Singleton and husband Cassy of Glen Allan, and Tina Keys and husband Sonny of Pascagoula; three grandchildren, Drew Slater and wife Amy, Anna-Clara Winters, and Allen Slater and wife Kelcey; and two great-grandchildren, JonHartley Slater and Nate Slater.
The family received friends Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, all at Burton Funeral Home in Indianola, which was entrusted with arrangements.
Memorials may be made in memory of Eddie Slater to Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Museum, PO Box 422, Leland, MS 38756.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.burtonfuneralhome.net
