Ronald H. "Ronnie" Sledge

Ronald Hilton Sledge was born July 22, 1949 in Thomaston, Georgia. He passed away July 2, 2026, surrounded by his family at Willson Hospice House in Albany, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents Hilton and JoAnne Sledge and his brother Phil Sledge.

In 1957, Ronnie’s family moved to Albany. He graduated from Albany High School in 1967. In November of 1969, Ronnie was drafted by the United States Army to serve in the Vietnam War and was commissioned to serve at Fort William D. Davis, Panama Canal Zone. Upon completion of his service, Ronnie returned to Albany and attended Albany Junior College, obtaining an Associate in Arts degree in 1974. He went on to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree at Albany State University in 1977.

Ronnie began a long and extremely successful career with Southern Bell in 1972. Upon completing his Associate’s Degree, he was quickly promoted to a management position. Over his 37 year career he worked for Southern Bell, BellSouth and AT&T. Ronnie retired from AT&T in 2010.

In 1972, Ronnie married his best friend and the love of his life, Debbie Stoudenmire. On June 24, 2026, they celebrated 54 years of marriage. Together they built a life that centered around family and friends. They were blessed with two daughters, Krista and Laura. Ronnie and Debbie are members of Porterfield Methodist Church.

Ronnie’s greatest love was spending time with his family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy! He could always be found in the bleachers cheering at baseball, basketball and soccer games. Ronnie loved sports, and his spare time was spent playing golf or watching sports. He was fiercely competitive and always enjoyed a good game.

Ronnie loved to travel with family and friends. Trips to St. George Island, Mexico Beach, Biloxi and the mountains were all special to him. Ronnie just loved life, and whether it be sharing a good laugh or planning a golf outing, he was always up for a fun time.

Survivors include, his wife Debbie, daughters Krista Jacobs (Jim) of St. Simons Island, GA. and Laura Griffin (Wesley) of Albany, GA. His grandchildren, Bo Pierce (Carleigh), Amelia, Grace and Reynolds Robitz, Lyla and Lucy Griffin. Great-grandchildren Kingston and baby Margot. His sister-in-law, Sandy Sledge and brother and sister-in-law, Phillip and Cary Stoudenmire. His nephews Phillip and Toby Sledge, Charlie and Butler Stoudenmire and their families. Numerous extended family members and many special friends.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Charlie Stoudenmire, Dr. Jay McAfee and his staff, Dr. Chirag Jani and his staff and the compassionate team at Willson Hospice House.

A service of remembrance will be held at Mathews Funeral Home on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 11 am. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Mathews. Internment will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Porterfield Methodist Church, 2200 Dawson Road, Albany, GA. 31707 or Terrell Academy Athletic Boosters, 602 Academy DR SE, Dawson, GA 39842 or Willson Hospice House, 320 Foundation Lane, Albany, GA. 31707.