Louie Wayne Slade, 73, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida passed away on June 18, 2025, from congestive heart failure due to complications from a 36-year battle with diabetes. Born May 11,1952, in Wiggins, Ms. He was the eldest son of the late Louie L Slade and Alice Maynell (O'Neal) Slade.

As a 1970 graduate of Stone High School, Louie was a proud member of the band, where his resonant tuba became as much a part of Friday-night lights as the roar of the crowd. After high school, he attended United Electronic Institute (UEI) in Birmingham, Alabama, earning his technical certificate in 1972. Upon graduation, he was recruited by VITRO to serve as an Electronics Technician at Eglin Air Force Base. He remained at Eglin Air Force Base under multiple contracts until his retirement in 2017.

Louie was an Electronic Technician and Network Engineer during his 44-year career working at multiple sites including the 300 ft SRI Tower (often called the Eiffel Tower by local fishermen) and the RICS program. He was dedicated to his work and loved his job. Louie's career on the base was marked by a quiet professionalism and unwavering work ethic. Colleagues remember him as someone who could always be counted on—whether troubleshooting complex network systems or mentoring younger technicians. He took pride in knowing his work supported national defense and the brave men and women serving our country.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law, Ben Porter; and his grand-niece, Ashley Simmons.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Lynn Slade; his brothers George Slade (Ann) of Crestview, Florida and Larry Slade (Janice) of Perkinston, Mississippi; his two stepchildren, Stephen Sisco(Christine) and Sonya Cunningham(Tim); one nephew Nick Slade and two nieces Jennifer Lynch and Shelly Simmons; brother-in-law Carroll Porter(Peggy) and sister-in-law Patricia Porter; along with a host of extended family including five step-grandchildren and one step-great-granddaughter who will carry forward his legacy of integrity.

Louie's love of Southern Gospel Music and his enthusiasm for water activities will be remembered by all who knew him.

For Florida family and friend's visitation will be held between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on Friday June 20, 2025, at Emerald Coast Funeral Home 161 Racetrack Rd Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32547. For Mississippi family and friend's visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00PM at Brookhaven Funeral Home 894 Natchez Dr NE Brookhaven, Mississippi 39601, on Sunday, June 22, 2025.  Following Sunday's visitation, a graveside service will be held at 4:00 PM at Ramah Baptist Church Cemetery 1455 Ramah Road SE, McCall Creek, Mississippi 39647.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Diabetes Association (or any other organization for the cure of Diabetes) in the name of Louie W. Slade.

May his memory be a blessing to those who loved him.