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Submitted: 8/2/23 • Approved: 8/2/23 • Last Updated: 8/5/23 • R1494994-G0-S3
June 14, 1933 - March 19, 2019
William (or Bill as his friends and family called him) was born in Camden, Arkansas, the son of Neill and Stella Slaughter. Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Claudette Hamaker Slaughter, also of Camden, Arkansas, now living in Houston, Texas. He also leaves behind his and Claudette’s three Slaughter Daughters—Dawn Lindsey, Ambra Watkins, and Caprice Weaver—and a son, Charles Daniel, along with eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Immediate family members include sisters Peggy Jones and Rita Huddleston; brother Tommy Slaughter precedes Bill in death. Bill’s family and friends remember him as a quiet, thoughtful man whose words, always carefully measured, were both witty and wise. Proud and patriotic, he spent his adult years providing for his family and serving his country with dedication and loyalty.
Known as Kingfish to his classmates and fellow naval officers, Bill relished his life as a fighter pilot. Upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1956, he entered flight training at Whiting Field, Pensacola, Florida, and received his wings in November 1957. Bill flew multiple jet aircraft including the F-11A, F-9, A-3, and his favorite—the A-4. He served two tours of duty as a flight instructor, training and mentoring young fighter pilots, which is a role he savored.
In the course of his career, he earned two master’s degrees, one in international affairs from George Washington University, and the other in education from Memphis State University. Bill was honored to have been selected to attend the US Naval War College where he graduated in 1970. As a civilian, Bill designed and developed flight training systems for McDonnell Douglas until his final retirement in 1994.
Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Camden, Arkansas, on Monday, March 25, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a military service at the Union Cemetery at 203 Ouachita Road 50. Lunch will be served at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Center after the interment. Visitation will be held at Proctor Funeral Home on Sunday, March 24, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Contributed on 8/2/23 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1494994