Ernest Wayne "Slick" Spradley

Ernest was born in McAlester on April 8, 1948, to Bert and Grace Spradley. He passed away on 12/31/2024 in Fort Smith, Ark., with his wife and family by his side. Ernest was known far and wide as “Slick” to family and numerous friends. Slick was raised in LeQuire with his sisters, Debbie and Patty, and made lifelong friends with “Cotton” Sloan, “Boll Weevil” Jordan, “Pie” Dunlap, Mike Jordan, Eddie Wayne Franklin and numerous others. The stories told about Slick and his friends can keep you laughing for hours. Slick volunteered for the Army in 1967 at 17 and served in Vietnam until 1969. Slick served in the 1st Calvary “AirCav” – Artillery Division. He made the rank of Corporal – 3 times!!!! He was decorated for his service many times including receiving 2 Army Air Medals for helicopter hours flown in combat, a medal normally only awarded to pilots and aircrews. Like many others, Slick didn’t talk much about his time in Vietnam but was very proud to have served his country. After his military service, Slick moved to Dumas, AR for work and met Deborah Manes. They married on July 21st, 1973 and just celebrated their 51st anniversary. While living in Arkansas, their daughter, Stephanie, and son, Chris, were born before moving back to LeQuire. Slick worked in the oil field, pipelines and drove a semi before starting to work at the McAlester Ammunition Plant. Slick loved to fish and hunt. Most summers he could be found on Kerr Lake at Keota Landing catching crappies at the Point or checking trot lines for Flathead. Slick also enjoyed camping in the mountains south of Lequire, hunting and drinking coffee with anyone who stopped by. Slick also loved to tell stories. It didn’t matter if you had heard it once or 10 times, Slick told his stories like you had never heard it before. If he got hold of your arm while telling a story, you were in for a good one and never knew what he might say. Slick also loved to make a huge garden and give away almost everything he grew. Slick was saved and baptized in 2005 and became a member of the LeQuire Baptist Church. He was a changed man, mostly, and loved to read his Bible and attend church. There was nothing Slick loved more or was prouder of than being “Pa” to his grandkids and great-grandkids. His grandson, Garrett, came first, followed by Kelsey, Kolten, and Kenadee. He loved teaching them how to hunt and fish, going to their ballgames and anything else they were involved in. Most recently, his great-granddaughter, McKenna, and his great-grandson, Grayson, aka “Bam Bam” came along, and his pride grew even more. Slick rarely had a conversation that didn’t involve him telling you about his grandkids and great-grandkids and their accomplishments. Slick’s health began to fail a few years ago, though he didn’t slow down much. He was still planning next year’s garden and fishing trip until his passing. We hope Heaven is well prepared for the man they just received. Ernest will be missed, loved, and remembered by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Spradley. His daughter Stephanie Spradley of McCurtain. His son Chris Spradley, wife Stephanie, and granddaughter Kenadee of Stigler. His grandson Dr. Garret Spradley, his wife, Dr. Kayla, and great-grandkids – McKenna and Grayson of Sylvania, Ohio. His granddaughter Kelsey Cagle, her husband, Lake, of Dallas, Texas. His grandson, Kolten Spradley of Tahlequah, OK. His sister, Patty Peek and her husband, Fred, of Kinta, OK. And his numerous nieces and nephews. Slick is preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Grace Spradley, and his sister, Debbie Norman. Memorial Service Pending

Ernest Wayne "Slick" Spradley

August 4, 1948 - December 31, 2024