On November 2, 2017, Willard Slate, Sr . was called on home to glory. Willard was born on January 5, 1951 in Oberlin, La. to Ella-Dee Berry and the late Wilmer Slate. He accepted Christ at an early age at the Progressive Church of Christ in Oberlin, LA.

Willard was a 1969 graduate of Charles P. Adams High School in Oberlin, LA. He was part of the last graduating class of the segregated high school. Upon graduation, Willard started working at Boise Cascade plant in Oakdale, LA.

Willard continued his career at Conoco Refinery. He worked there for 32 years until his retirement. He was one of the first minorities employed by the Westlake plant and worked in operations and ending his career as an electrician.

At the tender age of 22, Willard married the love of his life, a quiet girl from Solieau, La., Aldenette Ceaser. The love shared by them was immeasurable! They made and shared wonderful memories over the years, with the greatest being parents to their children and now grandparents to their grands. He would do anything for her and she never had to worry about anything in life, for he was truly her rock and her strength. He loved this woman so, and even during his illness, he would muster enough strength to tell her how much he has always loved her!

They say it takes a village to raise a family, but Willard was chief of his own village! He raised his children and when they started having children of their own, he was there raising his grandchildren. He was also there for any of his nieces and nephews. He was surrounded daily with at least 3 of his grandchildren. He would often tell us, "I'm not trying to win Grandfather of the Year!" But little did he know he was already Grandfather of a lifetime. To his kids, he was simply Daddy, the person who was always there in their time of need. He was our hero, the MAN who could save the day!

Willard never went anywhere without wearing his hat! He was always saying "Where's my hat; I need my hat!" And he was a man that wore many hats: Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Uncle, and Friend. He was an open and honorable man that believed in the power of prayer and God's abundant love.

You weren't going to do much persuading if he strongly believed in something. He had a cool demeanor and was easy to talk to. He loved his wife's home cooked meals, good music, being in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening, and working on his land. His land and the cattle he owned were his pride and he loved it with all his being.

Willard believed in hard work and in helping others. He was handy with his home and was often called upon by family and friends if they needed a helping hand. Whether it was putting in a light fixture or changing the belts on a car, Willard would help anyone without hesitation. He believed in taking care of family first!

He was humble but confident. Quiet, but strong. He was a man of honor and courage and he showed that during his illness. He never asked "why me", but continued on through his illness and fought like a champion until the very end!

He leaves to continue his legacy, his wife of 45 years, Mrs. Aldenette Ceaser-Slate; six children: Sondra "Cobi", Kinsey, Cornell, Willard Jr. "Will", Victoria "Vicki", and Monique; 15 grandchildren: Jareyl, Javon, Daegan, Dylan, Gabby, Nylah, Brady, Taylor, Jiji, Lil Greg, Jhase, Xavier, Londyn, Tyson, and Canaan, his daughter in law, Danita Kane-Slate, and son in law, Gregory Gallien. Also, to cherish his memory is his beloved mother, Ms. Ella-Dee Slate; four siblings, Barbara"Bobbi", Elaine "Nannie", Phillip, and Patricinella "Pat"; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wilmer Slate and his grandson, J ohn Vigers, III.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at 8:30 a.m., at True Light Baptist Church and funeral service at 1:00 p.m., at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Mausoleum under the direction of King's Funeral Home.

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomela.com