Obituary: Ruben Carnell Sloan, Sr.
Kinston - Ruben Carnell Sloan, Sr. of Kinston passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. He was 97 years old. He is reunited with his beloved wife, Edna in heaven as a most welcomed angel.
He was a member of Bethel FWB Church in Kinston where he served as a deacon. Ruben proudly served in the United States Army and fought in Korea for two years. Following his service, he worked at DuPont for 33 years. He loved to hunt and fish, spending many days on the Bay River doing both. He enjoyed cooking pigs on his slow cooker for family and friends, and in recent years took great pleasure in frying fish given to him by his good friend and neighbor, Derrick Carter. Ruben loved to surprise his daughter, LaDonna and daughter-in-law, Jo Ellen with lunches with fried fish, slaw, and his famous cornbread. His greatest joy was his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and Miss Kitty. “Catfish” and “Pumpkin” were names that all had been called at some point in time. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life and the joy and laughter he brought to all of us.
Ruben was preceded in death his beloved wife, Edna Sloan of 65 years; parents, Keith Gordon Sloan and Effie Pearl Sloan, his son, Ruben Carnell Sloan, Jr.; brothers, Melvin, Erwin, Keith Jr., and Daniel Sloan; sisters, Edna Davis and Thelma Boone; and most recently, his son-in-law, Mark Rosenberg.
He is survived by his three children, Dr. Ron Sloan (Cheryl) of Ben Wheeler, TX, LaDonna Rosenberg, and Keith Sloan, both of Wilmington; daughter-in-law, Jo Ellen Sloan of Deep Run, who was married to his deceased son, Ruben Carnell Sloan, Jr.; grandchildren who he loved dearly, Donald Sloan (Lacie), Tawney Lowry (David), Dr. Ruben “Trey” Sloan, III (Kristi), Sloan Minges (Seb), Hoyt Minges, III (Danielle), and Jana Rosenburg; eight great-grandchildren, Logan, Caleb, Braden, Calli, Tucker, Daniel, Brody, and Elias nicknamed “Iggy”; and two nieces, Vicky Davis and Karen Stell. They had a very special place in his heart.
The funeral service will be conducted on Friday, August 15 at 11:30 am in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10 am until the funeral hour at the funeral home. A graveside service will follow at 2 pm at Wayne Memorial Park with military rights in Goldsboro.
The family would like to thank Amedisys Healthcare Solutions for their care during this time. All the caregivers were great. A special thanks to Cheri who was his nurse. The family will always remember her loving care to him and the family.
Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be made to www.edwardsfhc.com
