Delbert Daniel Lee Slater, 94, of Fulks Run, VA passed away January 30, 2024 with family by his side at White Birch Estates in Harrisonburg VA.

He was born on May 9, 1929 in Mathias WV, to the late Henry Lee and Vickie Cullers Slater Magill.

Delbert was a man who valued and embodied faith, family, and work ethic. He lived his life as a shining example in all those aspects of life, proclaiming faith and praying with anyone in need, smiling brightly as he spoke of family, and working daily until a job was completed. He was a dedicated member of Mtn. Grove Church of the Brethren, holding many roles of leadership over his years. He was a strong-willed worker at every job he held including tending the farm which he did daily until a stroke limited his abilities in February 2023. If he wasn't in the chicken house, he would be feeding cattle, bailing hay, trimming thistles, chopping wood, or repairing something on the farm. Delbert began his poultry career in his teenage years working for the late Jim Long. He worked at Quality Feeds in Broadway as a manager and part owner. Along with many other jobs since he was a child that he would fondly reminisce of. He was a charter member of the Fulks Run Ruritans. He never met a word find puzzle he couldn't solve, or a cookie he couldn't pass up.

On August 7, 1948, he married the love of his life, Reba Dare Fulk Slater, who preceded him in death on October 1, 2014. He was a dedicated, caring, and loving husband for over 66 years. He was always by her side, and they took numerous trips throughout the country, frequenting Pennsylvania often by themselves or with family and friends.

Surviving are his son, Danny Lee Slater and wife Donna, of Fulks Run, grandchildren Anthony Slater and Stephanie of Broadway, Melissa Hildebrand and Shawn of Melfa VA, Stephanie Fink and David of Broadway, Crystal Slater-Locklear and Mark of Lumberton NC, Brent Slater and Krista of Broadway, great grandchildren: Lewis, Lee, Lance and Lane Slater, Cameron and Abigail Hildebrand, Cyrus and Cale Fink, step great granddaughters, Saniyah and Viviana Locklear. Also, his beloved family dog Stoli that he shared his love of cookies with.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter Margo Slater Miller, and a sister Anna Slater Whitmore.

Pastor Jon Prater and Jerry Shiflet will conduct a funeral service 2:00 pm Sunday at the Mtn. Grove Church of the Brethren. Burial will be in the Mtn Grove Cemetery.

Friends may view and sign the guestbook Saturday from 9 am-7 pm at Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rockingham Education Foundation (REFI), C/O Slater Family Scholarship, 100 Mt Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg VA 22802; and Broadway Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 666, Broadway VA  22815.

The family would also like to thank the staff at White Birch Communities Memory Care Unit, and the Sentara Hospice team for their exceptional and compassionate care.