Obituary of Carl Edward Sledge

Carl Edward Sledge, Sr., a wonderful husband and father, a devoted son and brother and a true friend, was born on December 31, 1953 to the late Carlos Watson, Sr. and Mary Katherine Sledge in Dallas TX. Carl‘s early life began in South Dallas (Bon-Ton) where he played and forged lifelong friendships. He was educated in the Dallas Public Schools, where he attended H.S. Thompson Elementary School, Pearl C. Anderson Junior High School and graduated, with honors, from Lincoln High School in 1972.  While in high school, Carl was a member of the key club, enjoyed photographing his class; and was named Mr. Lincoln in his senior year.

He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Bexar Street Baptist Church. He attended Sunday school and was involved in the youth department.  As a young teen Carl joined Carver Heights Baptist Church under the late Reverend Tyler Carter. He was involved in youth department, attended Sunday school and he sung in the choir. It was at Carver Heights Baptist Church where he received his calling to preach the gospel.  Carl was instrumental in helping to organize and form Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church with the late Dr. Kerry D. Wesley; and he is a charter member. Over the years, Carl taught Sunday school and participated in many other auxiliaries. 

Carl was employed with General Electric (GE) for 37 years.  He retired from GE in May 2007.  As a nurturing father, Carl raised two fine sons, Carl Jr. and Doyal, to be loving and responsible men.  Both of his sons are well educated and have college degrees. Carl Jr. is employed with Arlington Independent School District and Doyal is a Registered Nurse at Baylor, Scott & White Hospital.

On September 3, 2017, Carl married his best friend, soulmate, and the love of his life, Lena Grace. They truly cared for each other and their loving relationship was evident.  Together they cruised and traveled around the U.S. and abroad.  Lena remained by Carl’s side throughout his lengthy illness.  Carl fought the good fight, but on Friday, February 19, 2021 God called him home.

He was preceded in death by his father: Carlos Watson, Sr., brother: Michael Wayne Sledge and his grandmother: Florence Sledge.

The celebration of his life continues with his loving and devoted wife, Lena; sons: Carl Jr. and Doyal; granddaughters: Aubrie and Cassidy Sledge; mother: Mary Katherine Sledge Ellison; siblings: Carlos (Jo) Watson, Jr., Laura J. Watson and Tawana Williams; brothers-in-law: Henry (Annie) Nelson and Rodger Nelson; sisters-in-law Janice Sledge and Jessie (Lorenzo) Jackson; niece and nephews: Jessica (Jonathan) Sledge Wilson, Christopher Sledge and Jonathan Sledge; grandniece and nephew: Allison Wilson and Aaron Wilson; aunt and uncle: Helen and Arthur Young, Sr. and a host of other relatives and friends.