Marlin R. Sledge

Funeral services for Marlin R. Sledge, Sr., 96, will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Norris Ferry Community Church, 10509 Norris Ferry Rd., Shreveport, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery, 3700 St. Vincent Ave. in Shreveport. A visitation will be held Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr. in Shreveport. Officiating the service will be Rev. Jared Clary.

Born on April 10, 1929, in Ringgold, Louisiana to Ernest Linwood and Myrtle Thornton Sledge, Marlin was deeply proud of his roots and never forgot the small-town community that shaped his early years. After graduating from Ringgold High School, he went on to earn a degree in physical education from Northwestern State University. It was there he met the love of his life, Sunshine Gremillion, who preceded him in death in October 2014, after 64 years of marriage.

Together, they had two children: Sidney Ann Porterfield and her husband, Mike, and Marlin Ray Sledge, Jr. and his wife, Cindy. Marlin is also survived by five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Following graduation, Marlin fulfilled a childhood dream when he accepted a teaching position in Gibsland, Louisiana. In 1953, he left the classroom and embarked on a 42-year career in the automotive industry as Sales Manager at Moffitt Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, and Mazda. His greatest joy at that time was mentoring young salespeople. Known for his patience and positivity, he took great pride in seeing others succeed and was a trusted influence among his colleagues.

A devoted Christian throughout his life, Marlin often spoke with pride about his Primitive Baptist upbringing in Ringgold. For over 60 years, he was a faithful and active member of St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Shreveport. He served the parish in many capacities, including multiple terms on the vestry and as both Junior and Senior Warden. On most Sundays, he could be found ushering alongside his dear friends, Herb Mattison and Dudley Beene. Marlin was also actively involved in the Cursillo movement within the Diocese of Louisiana and the Diocese of Western Louisiana, helping others grow in their spiritual lives through fellowship and leadership. Marlin also served in the United States Army Reserves before retiring.

Marlin will be remembered for his steady faith, generous spirit, and unwavering encouragement to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Marlin is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Linwood and Myrtle Thornton Sledge; and siblings, Mavis Holt, Newlyn Conly, Orville Sledge, and Wilmer Sledge. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Sidney Ann Sledge Porterfield (Mike), Marlin Ray Sledge, Jr. (Cindy); grandchildren, Jessica Barger (Nathan), Justin Porterfield, Patrick Sledge (Donna), Philip Sledge (Carmen), and Robert Sledge (Amber); great-grandchildren, Josephine Faye Sledge, Annabelle Scarlett Barger, Peter Marlin Sledge, Nora Belle Sledge, Beckett Jenson Sledge, Ellie Corinne Sledge, Charles Joseph Barger, and Milo Arnold Barger.

Honoring Marlin as pallbearers will be Patrick Sledge, Philip Sledge, Robert Sledge, Jud Hodge, Mike Guy, and Chuck Stripling. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Susan Moffitt Henson, Mary Anne Moffitt Green, Michael Moffitt, and John Moffitt. 

The family would like to thank the employees and management staff at The Guest House in Shreveport. We especially want to thank Rhonda Clark, Crystal Dison, and Leo Mickel for their loving care during his stay there.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.