Fred Sloss, III was born December 23, 1971 to Fred Sloss, Jr. (deceased) and Emma Sloss in Athens, AL. He transitioned peacefully to be with the Lord on Monday, March 18th, 2024. He is preceded in death by his father, Fred Sloss, Jr., grandparents Jessie and Mable Mayberry, Fred Sr. and Maxine Sloss and Boyd and Bernice Hall.
He attended and graduated from East Limestone High School in 1990. Fred gave his life to Christ July 12th, 1984, at Pleasant Grove CPCA, in Athens, AL. He was a man of faith who believed in serving God, his family, and his community. He prided himself on helping people without the need to speak about the deeds that he done. He was humble and always with a smile on his face regardless of what was going on in his own life. He fought a good fight and never wavered. He didn’t want anyone worrying about him because he said, “I’ve had a great life and God has been good to me. I can’t be mad about that”.
After graduation, Fred honorably served his country as a member of the US Navy for five years as a Petty Officer 2nd Class. His specialized training was in cryptology and intelligence while stationed in Misawa, Japan, where he met his wife, Marsha. They were married in 1994. Upon returning to his home, he obtained an Associate Degree in Police Science from Calhoun Community College. He later began working for the Limestone County Sheriff’s Department in 1996. Fred continued to further his education with numerous certifications throughout his career at the Sheriff’s Department to include graduating from the Alabama Criminal Justice Center and completing Public Safety Leadership and Management Program from the University of North Alabama. During his career, he served in many capacities, such as becoming one of the first DARE officers in the Limestone County School System where he served as SRO. Fred was a big believer in setting goals, so from the beginning of his law enforcement career he made it a point to help five people a day in some way. He loved kids, and for years Fred made kids, especially at-risk ones, part of his “five-a-day” focus. The kids called him “Deputy Fred,” and that is how he was still known to many until the end. He also served as Lieutenant Director of Youth Services, and Patrol Captain during this same time frame.
He received the Public Servant of the Year Award for his dedicated service to the community of Limestone County. He served as the Vice President of the 20th District of the Alabama Peace Officers Association, a member of the American Veterans of Alabama Post 21, the American Legion, and as part of the Board of Directors of Hospice of Limestone County. Fred’s last position was Chief Deputy of the Sheriff Department until he retired in 2022 to pursue the opportunity to campaign for Sheriff of Limestone County. Although not elected, he said that the citizens of Limestone County spoke, and he respected their decision. He then focused on enjoying his retirement. He wanted to spend more time fishing with his dad and simply enjoying life.
He leaves to cherish his memory wife, Marsha; mother, Emma; and sister Tracie; mother-in-law, Erma Turner; sisters-in-law, Shelia Smith and Valarie Turner; a special niece, Kerica; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends.
The funeral service for Mr. Fred Sloss, III will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the Lindsay Lane Baptist Church (1300 Lindsay Lane South Athens, AL 35620) with Pastor Tavaris Townsend officiating. Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
There will be no public viewing.
