William Ray Sluss
Scott County | February 02, 2012Corporal William Ray Sluss POW/MIA Korean War – Scott County, VA
Memorial Services for Corporal William Ray Sluss of Scott County, VA will be held Saturday February 18, 2012 at Gate City Funeral Home in Gate City, Va. At 12:00 p.m.
Cpl. Sluss was born in Scott County, VA on August 2, 1929 to Otis and Zola Sluss.
He enlisted in the United States Army when he was 17 years of age. He served our country in the Korean War. He was taken prisoner on November 30, 1950 and passed away on April 30, 1951 in a POW camp in North Korea. His family was notified of his death in 1954. Recovery missions recovered Ray in 2007. He has now been returned to his home of Scott County, VA. He will receive Full Military Honors at a Memorial Service to be held in his honor at Gate City Funeral Home in Gate City, VA.
Others in Ray's family, who have passed away, in addition to his parents, are a sister, Virginia Vermillion and special uncle and aunt, Silas and Ann Fugate.
Survivors include sister, Buena Jester of Indianapolis, IN, brother, Lincoln Powers of Nickelsville, VA, nephews, randy Jester, Ronald Jester, Chris Powers and James Powers, nieces, Barbara King, Jan Baker, Cathy Kilgore, Ginger Joseph, Sharon Henry, Lisa McCormack and Jewell Kilgore, several great nieces and great nephews.
The family will receive friends Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 12: p.m. at Gate City Funeral Home. Services will be held in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel at 12:00 p.m. The music will be provided by Jamie Broadwater, Crawford Crossing and Trey Hensley.
Military Graveside Services will be immediately following at Holston View Cemetery in Weber City, VA with Military Funeral Honors Team of Ft. Lee and American Legion Hammond Post #3 Kingsport, TN as well as Post #265 of Gate City, Va. Flag Line will be provided by Patriot Guard Riders.
An online guest registry is available for the Sluss family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.
Gate City Funeral Home is humbly honored to serve the family of Corporal William Ray Sluss.
Condolences
It was an honor to carry Cpl William Ray Sluss on my aircraft from Atlanta, GA to Charlotte, NC.Although we were running late due to the weather, I made the following announcement on the ground in Charlotte: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is Captain Morrison. I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement. We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect. His name is Corporal Sluss. Escorting him today is Sgt Ross. This soldier, who has been MIA for 60 years, recently released by the North Korean government, is in the cargo hold below you. He is being escorted home to his final resting place.
Your entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain seated while his escort, Sgt Ross, exits the aircraft."
I then taxied into the gate, and followed Sgt Ross onto the ramp. I stood in formation with the military honor guard, TSA agents, and ramp personnel while Cpl Sluss' flag-draped casket was transferred from the aircraft to the hearse.
When I returned inside the aircraft, I asked about boarding for our departure. The lead flight attendant informed me that the inbound passengers had just finished de-planing. Not only had they allowed the escort to exit first, but they remained on-board to respectfully observe the ceremony.
In the terminal, normally hectic with rushing passengers, the huge picture-windows, were crowded with the outbound passengers solemnly observing Cpl Sluss' return. In this frantic, got-to-be-there-now world, not a comment was made regarding our late departure. Let there be no doubt: Americans still have respect for the heroes that kept us and keep us free.
Thank you Corporal William Ray Sluss.
Posted by: Capt. John Morrison, February 28, 2012
Cousin Ray You are a Hero! My thoughts on the way to the cemetery was if you could only see what a WELCOME HOME that you received today, you would be well pleased. My thoughts and prayers are with your sister and brother and all family members. Rest In Peace!
Posted by: Carolyn Farmer Odle, February 18, 2012
Dear Uncle Ray,
At home at last! Your dad, Otis Sluss, was married to my grandmother, Annie Price Sluss. That makes you my step-uncle. I remember your picture hanging on the wall in their home and how much your dad loved you and missed you. I am humbled by your service to this country. You are truly an American hero and we are so proud of you.
Dear Aunt Beuna,
My mom and I did not know that uncle Ray's remains were found and that he was returned hone until about 6 pm today. We would loved to have visited with you at uncle Ray's funeral. As you may know my dad, Brownie Price, passed away in 1997. I can remember when you and Raymond, Ronnie and Randy came to visit us sometime in the mid-1960's in Nickelsville. Otis (Ottie, as I called him) passed away when I was only ten years old. I remember how much he loved and missed Ray. Ottie would have been so relieved to know that Ray is back home in Scott County, where he belongs. I would love to hear from you before you head back to Indianapolis or anytime. You may call me at 423-245-1128.
Love and Blessings,
Debra Sue (Debbie) Price
1114 Konnarock Road
Kingsport, TN 37664
Posted by: Debra Sue (Debbie) Price, February 18, 2012
What a truly humbling experience to be able to be such a part of history as Corporal William Sluss was laid to rest. The military graveside services was something to behold as the guns were fired and the taps were played. I don't see how there could have been a dry eye around as us americans came together to honor this brave, young man as together we all repeated the 23rd psalms.i am so proud to be an american, but sometimes we take for granted the young men and women that go off to serve our country....Thank you Corporal Sluss, I am just sad that you had to pay the ultimate price.
Posted by: Barbara Cox, February 18, 2012
From a vet of the US Army and one who still honors such sacrafices,
Welcome home soldier! You will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Posted by: DH, February 18, 2012
I have no words to express my gratitude for the sacrifice this young man, and his family, made for our country. May all of you have peace now that he is finally home at last.
Humbly, Elizabeth Mason
Posted by: Elizabeth Mason, February 18, 2012
Thank you for your sacrifices for our country.
Your 1st cousin Jim Powers
Kingsport Tn
Posted by: Jim G Powers, February 18, 2012
God Bless this family, we are so glad you have returned home after so many years, to be laid to rest. Ray was the nephew of Will Farmer of Nickelsville ,Va. My mother is Frankie Farmer Addington, and remembers him as a young boy, he was very liked and was so sweet, Ray sacrificed his life for this country,and we are very proud of Ray. So sorry that we could not attend the service. Frankie Farmer Addington, Lowell Addington, Billy, and Louise
Posted by: Linda Louise Addington, February 18, 2012
The Word of God declares that there is no greater love than that of a man who will lay down his life for a friend. Thank God that your loved one possessed this love. Thank you for the service he gave. Acts2;37,38
Posted by: Joan Johnson, February 17, 2012
EVERY LIVING AMERICAN SHOULD STAND IN AWE AT THIS YOUNG MANS SACRIFICES IN DEFENDING NOT ONLY AMERICAN FREEDOMS ,BUT SOUTH KOREAS FREEDOM AS WELL. HE IS TRUELY A AMERICAN HERO
I AS EVERY AMERICAN VETERAN SALUTE YOU.
Posted by: Tony Chapman, February 17, 2012
my father was a POW during that time in korea and is this alive. he ask to come to the funeral and hope to bring him Sat. thank to our lord he has returned to be layed to rest properly.a son thanking all pows.
Posted by: steven carter, February 17, 2012
This soldiers name being Honored is long overdue. He is a hero, an american Patriot who is finally coming home. May god Bless both he an his family. Thank God for young men like him. Freedom is not Free. may god him eternally.........
Posted by: Tony Chapman, February 17, 2012
So glad my great-uncle Ray finally gets to come home. Virginia(Powers) Vermillion, his sister was also my biological grandmother. My Father Robert L. Wright was his nephew.
Posted by: Sean Wright, February 17, 2012
My father, Walter Jack Jones, served in the U.S. Air Force in the Korean War, so I have a special place in my heart for Korean War veterans...it is often called a conflict, but for the men and women who so graciously fought and gave their lives in service to our great country, it was indeed a war. Thank you Corporal William Ray Sluss for the ultimate sacrifice for your country. A grateful nation stands tall and proud because of the selfless acts you and others have made. God bless your family, and may you rest in peace, back in the country you defended to the end.
Sincerely yours,
Tracy P. Jones
Posted by: Tracy Jones, February 17, 2012
Uncle Ray, Sorry I didn't get to meet you on earth. I am so sorry for your suffering. I am extremely grateful you are home now and can rest in peace. Love, Terri :)
Posted by: Terri Kilgore Robinson, February 16, 2012
Shelby Sluss Kilgore, daughter of Sam W. Sluss, who is an Uncle to William Ray Sluss. Shelby then would a 1st cousin. Shelby is married to Randy Kilgore, formerly of Coeburn.
We are very sorry for the loss of our cousin and am proud that he gave his supreme sacrifce for us and for our country.
We are out of town and unable to attend the service on the 18th. You, the family, will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Our regards and praying that God's peace and comfort will be with each of you.
Shelby Sluss Kilgore & Randy Kilgore
Posted by: Shelby & Randy Kilgore , February 16, 2012
A heartbreaking story. We commend those who tried for so long to bring William Ray home and gratefully accept the success of their efforts.
My husband, E.C. Sluss is the son of Frank N. and Ara Sluss of Tazewell Co. and we did not know William, however E.C. is a veteran of the Korean war and was born in '33.
I checked the family tree and did not find William or his parents and siblings. I would very much like to enter William and record his story there. I could do this with a little information to help connect the branches of the Sluss lines.
What a brave man he was and we salute him.
Posted by: Mr. Mrs. E.C. Sluss, February 16, 2012
Welcome home soldier,you fought the good fight and have been in heaven these many years . You are the true hero to your family and this country. My condolenses to your family and friends. Cousin from Tazewell County, Virginia.MSgt Lowell a Sluss. USMC ret. Korean War and Vietnam
Posted by: Lowell Sluss, February 16, 2012
Rest in peace my Brother Warrior,you are in the hands of God, and the hearts of your country men,you are home in your beloved country.You have done enough.Rest now.Thank You.
GlennA. Cargain
TN State Rep.
PurpleHeartRiders
Posted by: Glenn Allen Cargain Sr., February 14, 2012
Thank you for your service....Welcome Home. May he rest in peace.
Posted by: Kevin Witherell, February 14, 2012
Dear Family, how wonderful to be receiving your loved one after 60 long years. My father and uncle both served in WWII and my uncle was lost in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. My sincerest condolences to the family. May you all have peace and closure.
Posted by: Jackie W Dennison, February 14, 2012
As a mother of a serviceman, I am glad he will be coming home. God Bless his family and know they are in our prayers. I wish I could be there with my flag, but I have to work. May you all be at peace knowing he is home. God Bless all our service women and men.
Posted by: Jennie Carter, February 14, 2012
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Posted by: Anthony Willis, Chaplain VFW Post 8652, Coeburn, Va., February 13, 2012
Our sincere condolences and heartful thankfulness that another one of our boys has come home. May he rest in peace and may his family have comfort in knowing that he gave his all for his country, his home, and his family. God bless you and keep you.
Posted by: SK3 Betsy L. Evans, USN, USNR, Veteran and OM2 Daniel L. Evans, USN, USNR, Retired, February 13, 2012
welcome home hero you gave your life for your counrty
rest in peace you are now home where you belong
god bless you
Mori family
Miami FL
Posted by: Leo , February 12, 2012
WELCOME HOME BROTHER
Posted by: VVA Chapter 421,SI,NY, February 12, 2012
WELCOME HOME, BROTHER
IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING, BUT NOW YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE CLOSURE. THERE IS NOTHING MORE GRATIFYING THAN KNOWING ANOTHER POW/MIA HAS BEEN BROUGHT HOME TO REST.
REST EASY MY FRIEND AND BROTHER WARRIOR. YOU FOUGHT THE HARD FIGHT, SPENT YOUR TIME IN HELL, NOW REST IN PEACE.
WITH ALL SINCERITY, AND CONDOLENCES: "TEN HUT,HAND SALUTE,TAPS" VIETNAM VETERAN/ C/1/501/101ST ABN DIV, NAM 67/68
Posted by: forrest fitzrandolph, February 12, 2012
To the family of an American Hero,
I read this article in the newspaper. I think this is wonderful news to hear of such a welcome home despite the delay. I hope and pray that your family may find peace during this time as I am sure many emotions from many years ago are being felt again. As it is not the homecoming your family wished for — I am thankful that he will be laid to a peaceful rest at home in the country he gave his life for. Thank you for your service and each of your sacrifices for our country.
Sincerely,
Jessica Watts
Bristol, VA
Posted by: Jessica Watts, February 12, 2012
Thank you for your service and sacrifices that you made for our country CPL Sluss. You are now home where you belong. R.I.P Sir.
Doug Grissom
POW Committee Chairman
Rolling Thunder TN 4
Posted by: Doug Grissom, February 07, 2012
Use the form below to leave your condolences for the family. Please note that all comments are reviewed before they are published, in order to prevent spam and other inappropriate comments. Your message will not appear immediately on the website.
« Return to Obituaries
