John Slatsky grew up in the small mining town of Brookside, Alabama where he learned the values of God, family, and hard work. These would become the tenets upon which he would build the rest of his life. He grew up as the next to youngest of five children during the Great Depression. His family meant the world to him, and he remained close to his siblings throughout his life.
A two-time war veteran, he served the country he loved so much in both World War II and the Korean War. Upon his return to the States as a civilian, he embarked upon a career as a pharmacist at UAB and Children’s Hospital where he was well known for his commitment to excellence and his dedication to his patients and the families that he served.
When not at the hospital, he could often be found seeking time with nature as he fished the waters of Lake George. His orange MG with its boat trailer parked alongside the bank was a familiar sight to many as they drove by, signaling to all that John had gone fishing.
The biggest catch of his life, though, was when he met his wife, Marion, at Children’s Hospital where they both worked. For over 52 years they celebrated a union of love and commitment to family.
An avid gardener, John was always at one with the soil, often working tirelessly underneath the hot sun as his loyal dog Buddy watched from beneath the shade. Perhaps his favorite way of showing his love for his friends and family was in bestowing upon them the fruits of his labor. No one ever went hungry as long as John had a garden.
His greatest gift, however, was of himself to his family. There was never a more dedicated or loving husband and father than John Slatsky, as evidenced by those surrounding him with love as he passed from this world. We know that he is now walking some green and sunny path with his best friend Buddy by his side and will be waiting to walk with us again one day. His was a life full of purpose, dedication, and love. Well done, faithful servant.
He is survived by his wife Marion Albright Slatsky; his daughters Laura Whitman Sims (Bernie) and Beth Slatsky; his son Marcus Whitman (Paige); his granddaughters Whitney Sims Cummins (husband Nick and daughters Emma and Addison), Stephanie Sims Bailey (Adam), and Kathryn Whitman; and his sister Anna Slatsky Jones.
He is preceded in death by his mother Anna Pavlik Slatsky and his father Michael Slatsky, as well as his siblings Michael Slatsky, Jr., Joe Slatsky, and Marie Slatsky Daughton.
A graveside service at Hamby’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (www.cff.org/give-monthly/).
