Richard Slader, 77, Chattanooga, Tenn., and formally of Port Charlotte, Fla., went to be with the Lord on Tuesday July 10, 2012.

He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Jan. 31, 1935.

He is survived by his loving partner, best friend and soul mate of 15 years, Dawn Nolan; his son, Richard David Slader; nephew, Stephen Warne and his wife, Diane Warne; brothers, Thomas and Donald; niece, Holly Lalor; and other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, Wilfred and Mildred Slader; sister, Audrey and brother-in-law, Stephen Warne; brothers, Gordon and Billy; and his lifelong friend, Ronald Law whom he called his brother, and Ronald’s parents, Gerard and Anne Law.

Richard was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church. He served in the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division and participated in the atomic bomb blast testing at Yucca Flats and French Flats, Nevada.

He was a salesman, business owner, and retired in sales from AAA Auto Club South.

He had a pilot’s license, and loved to fly small aircraft. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a great storyteller. He loved to drive, travel, the outdoors, camping, and had an adventurous spirit. He had a passion for the game of golf.

Visitation will be 11 a.m.-noon and a memorial Mass will be held at noon Wednesday, Sept. 12, at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 7111, Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Military honors will be at 2 p.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Your words will be forever remembered.

“Life is one experience after another.”

and “Life is beautiful.”