Jerry T. Sluka
April 22, 1947 - June 20, 2015

The world is a better and more beautiful place because of Jerry T. Sluka, of Austell, Georgia, who passed away June 20, 2015 at age 68 after a brave battle with prostate cancer. He told very few people of this struggle and continued to work until recent months when the cancer spread to his entire body.

Jerry was a loving, generous, caring, artistic, creative, thoughtful, God-fearing man of integrity whose goal in life was to serve God with all his heart, strive for excellence, and give 100 percent in everything he did. Volumes would have to be written to describe how he abundantly and colorfully accomplished that goal.

Jerry was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and graduated from Edsel Ford High School in 1965. He completed his undergraduate degree in 1969 at Central Bible Institute in Springfield, Missouri, and received a master's degree in marriage, family, and child therapy from Melodyland School of Theology in Anaheim, California, many years later.

Throughout his career he served as youth pastor, music minister, singer, counselor, relationship expert, flight attendant, and most importantly, a follower of Jesus Christ. His education and career took him to Peoria, Illinois; Anaheim, California; Memphis, Tennessee; Dallas and El Paso, Texas; and Atlanta, Georgia.

In every place he touched the lives of thousands with his warm sensitivity, inimitable style, mellifluous voice, rich vocabulary, flair for life, and touch of class. He was greeted into heaven by his father, mother, and older brother; and is survived by his oldest brother and twin, three sisters-in-law, two nieces, four nephews and their families, and many others who consider him a brother, a dear friend, or simply a magnificent person.

Jerry's imprint in this world will always remain in those who were so wonderful blessed by his life.

Two memorial services will be held to honor Jerry's life: Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 11:00 a.m., at Life Church, 4100 King Springs Rd. SE, Smyrna, GA, 30082. Light lunch following. Thursday, July 2, 2015 at Church of the Saviour, 8005 Pfeiffer Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45242. Viewing at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:30 with a light lunch and "Jerry Moments" at 1:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to support Jerry's nephew Bob Sluka in his global efforts as a scientist and conservationist to protect, care for, and show off the beauty of God's amazing creation. Donations will support his current project with the Watamu Marine National Park in central, coastal Kenya developing sustainable fishery habitats to reduce poverty by providing food and jobs for the local population. To donate online, go to http://arocha.us/donate, select "click here" to donate, fill in your information and from the "Please direct my donation to" drop-down box, choose "Support a USA staff member" and type "Bob Sluka/In honor of Jerry Sluka" in the box.

To donate by check, send to the following address. Make the check out to A Rocha and include a separate note directing the funds to Bob Sluka/In honor of Jerry Sluka. A Rocha USA PO Box 1338 Fredericksburg, TX 78624 TO HELP US IN OUR PLANNING FOR FOOD FOR BOTH MEMORIALS, PLEASE RSVP TO JESLUKA@AOL.COM IF YOU ARE ABLE TO ATTEND. Gilligan Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.