Mr. Norman E. Slater, age 98, of Manchester, passed this life Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. He was born Aug. 28, 1925 in Bledsoe County, Tenn. to the late Alfred T. and Martha “Mattie” (Wright) Slater. In addition to his parents, Norman is also preceded in death by his siblings, Thelma Slater Moe, Robert Slater, Alfred Slater, and Rubye Slater Dill.  Norman was proud to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps, where he was a Co-pilot/gunner during WWII. He fought in the Marshall Islands of the South Pacific and survived his plane being shot down. After his service he enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was camping, hunting, being at the ball fields, or golfing. Norman was a long-time University of Tennessee football season ticket holder as well as, loving Lady Vols basketball. As an avid hunter, he mentored so many new young hunters who were family members or friends of the family. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and served his Manchester community as a baseball coach in Little League and Babe Ruth. He also spent several years umpiring high school and college games. Norman was a giving man, always open to helping whoever asked. His approach to life was doing everything to the best of his ability and to share his honest opinion. He certainly made the most of his 98 years. He retired from Arnold Engineering Development Center in 1985 at age 59 as a welder. Norman worked on one of the first wind tunnels built at AEDC, as well, as worked on the nuclear reactors at Oak Ridge. Norman is survived by his wife of 74 years, Nina (Crawley) Slater; sons, Archie Slater and Fred Slater (Peggy); grandchildren, Arch Slater Jr., Angie Slater Tomberlin (Brandon), Chris Slater (Amy), Michael Slater (Alison), and Meghan Slater Echols (Hayden); ten great grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren.

The family received friends Monday, Jan. 22 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Coffee County Funeral Chapel. The funeral service was held at 1 p.m. in the chapel with Brother Jake Dorak officiating. Interment followed at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Coffee County Funeral Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Norman Slater.