"For I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. -2 Timothy 4:6-7. Percy Tyrone Sledge Sr., 74, gained his wings and departed this life on Tuesday April 14, 2015 at 1:13 a.m. at his home, surrounded by his devoted, and loving wife of 40 years, Rosa Sledge, his sister Donna Cohen, and his children. Born on November 25, 1940 Percy was a native of Leighton, Alabama and a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Percy was a graduate of Leighton Training School in 1958. Percy was an R&B, soul, gospel and traditional pop singer. He was a member of Galilee Baptist Church in Leighton, AL. He is best known for the song, "When a Man Loves a Woman", a number one hit on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B Singles. He loved his music, and more importantly he loved his family and his fans. Percy was a 2005 inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Percy is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Rosa Singleton Sledge of Baton Rouge, LA; three sons, Percy Tyrone Sledge Jr. (Mary), of Knoxville, TN, Howell Sledge (Paulette) of Florence, AL, and Percy Tyrone Sledge III (Brittany) of Baton Rouge, LA; nine daughters, Deborah Burns (Johnny) of Muscle Shoals, AL, Carolyn King (Craig) of Sheffield, AL, Wanda Kay Sledge King of Courtland, AL, Percia Davis & Latonya Sledge Ray (John) both of Augusta, Georgia, Tanya Jones, Charlene Benton (John), Paulette Sledge, all of Baton Rouge, LA & Sanricca Sledge Lawrence (Frank) of Augusta, GA; a special nephew, Harold Woods of Baton Rouge, LA; seventeen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; a sister, Donna Sledge Cohen (Clarence) of N. Charleston, SC; a brother, Willie Woods of Waukegan, IL; an uncle, Curtis Sledge of Chattanooga, TN; a nephew, Ernest Toney Jr. of Topeka, KS; four nieces, Kim & Lenora Woods of Waukegan, IL; Latrice Lewis of Carterville, GA, & Bonnie Hill of Columbus, OH; five sisters-n-law, Edna Woods, Audrey Howard, Lenora Singleton, & Barbara Turner of Morgan City, LA and Marie Singleton of Lafayette, LA; four brothers-n-law, Irving Singleton (Barbara) of Morgan City, LA; Henry Singleton (Abby) of Gibson, LA; Larry Singleton (Claudette) of Patterson, LA, Milton Singleton (Lettie Mae) of Gray, LA; A devoted cousin, friend, and caretaker Paul Sledge (Pat), & Georgetta Sledge Houlsen all of Mobile, AL; Heartfelt thanks to Tammy Bergeron, Regina Cobb, and Chaplain Dane Blankenship of Amedisys Home Health and Hospice Care of Baton Rouge, LA; Trey Ganem (Trey Ganem Designs) of Edna, TX; worldwide friends and fans; Percy was preceded in death by his mother, Fannie Sledge Woods; a sister, Jerlean Sledge Toney; a brother, Ricky Woods; two aunts, Clara Bea Mullins & Annie Pearl Allen; an uncle, Richard Sidney Sledge; a maternal grandmother, Hester Lee Pruitt Sledge. Mother and father in – law, Mildred and Joseph Singleton; three brothers-n-law, Leroy Singleton, Raymond Singleton, Harold Singleton & Roland Turner. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Bethany World Prayer Center, 13855 Plank Road, Baker, LA followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m., conducted by Bishop James T. Whitney. The services will be broadcast in HD live via streaming on the internet at www.percysledge.org. Interment will follow at Heavenly Gates Cemetery & Mausoleum, 10633 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70807. Arrangements entrusted to Carney- Mackey Funeral Home, 1576 Robin Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70807, (225) 774-0390. You may sign the online guestbook at www.carneymackeyfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Thank you for the beautiful, soulful music
Rosalind Wibberley
Other
November 22, 2023
I played in the band called the "Esquires" in the early sixties which was led by Mr. Richards, the Sterling High School Band Director at that time. Percy was the singer in the "Esquires" before his first release.... May he RIP....
George Melvin Sledge Sr
Other
July 4, 2023
I´m sixty years old. Was raised on listening to Percy Sledge. Still listen to him now. Love him. RIP.
Becki M.
July 3, 2023
Love his songs from a little girl. Still listens to all his songs . I am one of his # 1 fans. Every day I listen for hours still cant believe He's gonr. I missed it as I was hospitalized during the time he died. RIP my #1 music artist tour great songs lives on.
Emily Jolly
Friend
June 22, 2020
Hi I seen percy sledge 2 times in Gastonia NC at Charlie Gunn's place I have the water bottle he had drink from and his autograph on it he was a man I look up to i sing about all his songs I have 6 grandchildren I have sing warm n tender love to everyone of them when they were born I live in NC percy sledge was a idle to me
David short
Friend
June 9, 2020
Goodbye my friend! Sorry I missed your passing. The whole world missed you and your music! The greatest Soul and R&B singer ever and your music lives on! God bless you Sister Rosa!
Jim Hough
Friend
April 17, 2020
Percy Tyrone Sledge, "Gone, But Not Forgotten." Percy Sledge's songs of love are still in our memories and hearts. May his soul enjoy the goodness of a everlasting life in God's heavenly home.
The Family Journal, USA & Overseas
Dr. Charles L. Singleton
Acquaintance
April 4, 2020
My Percy Sledge, your first fans are old and right behind you on your journey. Back in 1973, I had your album with a skip in it. I listened to it so many times that the skip seemed right and the radio was wrong. In 72-73 I saw you at Wolf's Zodiac in Jackson. You were a black man bridging the gap with music. Brave man in bad times.I love you and look forward to seeing you. You've been my friend all my life. God bless you and your family. Thank God for Percy Sledge.
Billy Harrison
January 12, 2019
I still listen to his wonderful songs today. God got a wonderful voice and person in heaven. His memory and music will forever be remembered. God bless his family n prayers to them. He worked as orderly when my dad was in hospital and Percy was writing When a man loves a woman on brown paper bag
Tommy Holt
Friend
December 16, 2018
You will always be remembered and your music will never grow old! The music brings back so may wonderful childhood memories. I believe these words "Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life". Death will be a thing of the past someday.
Nazarene Mckinney
May 18, 2017
Percy. You are truly missed. (suddenly stop) to the Family may' God bless you all''
Clarence Bookman
August 30, 2016
Last night 8/28/16, I watched the Chicago PBS program featuring R&B Artists & was happy to hear Mr Sledge performing. It was magical & his singing touched me deeply! It seemed to me over the years of seeing him he was kind & gracious. Seeing him & his wife Rosa perform, it was evident he Loved his wife.
I am sorry for his loss but his music will
Live forever.
Wishing Peace & Comfort to his Family.
God Bless!
Carol R
August 29, 2016
Thanks, for setting the stage for so many artists of today. Your songs will be around forever and never to be forgotten. MUCH LOVE
Valenda Newell
June 27, 2016
Thank you for years of listening to this song. It came out right before my senior year high school prom.
It was the best soul love song ever written.
My sympathies to the family.
Chuck Rhodes
April 23, 2016
you will be forever missed music has lost to many greats we love you. Mike And Debra Kitchens
Mike & Debra Kitchens
April 23, 2016
will be missed but is up there some now rip.
Debra &Mike Kitchens
April 23, 2016
Mike & Debra Kitchens
April 23, 2016
You truly will be missed Beautiful music in heaven with Prince and all the others rest in peace
Linda Ventura
April 22, 2016
Providing the soundtrack to my life, my father was a huge fan and passed it all. Out of Left Field and It Tears Me Up were among the first songs I learned. Rest in Peace dear man. You touched so many.
Debra Massey
April 22, 2016
You will be forever remembered. When a Man Loves a Woman set down the importance of respecting yourself and not allowing yourself to accept less than real love. Thank you. Rest In Peace
Cindy
April 17, 2016
As a teenager in the late '80s, I worked at the McDonalds on Greenwellsprings Rd, Mr Slegde would come through the drive thru every Sunday morning & order 2 hot cakes & 2 scrambled eggs. He had such an infectious smile, he was the highlight of my week that year.
Denise
February 15, 2016
With his heart felt song " A My
Special Prayer" my girl came back to me in 1969. We have been married 47 years now. I love him, his music and his passion. I owe him. I will go visit him soon. God bless the family. I pray for you.
December 14, 2015
So sorry for your loss.
Gail Galloway
September 12, 2015
Rest in peace Percy.
July 31, 2015
To the Family, The joy of meeting Mr. Percy in 2013 will remain with me forever. Such a gracious man, we chatted prior to his performance @ Gerry Lane Chevy on a beautiful April afternoon. He was so kind, and allowed me to snap his picture after asking his permission. He asked "Would you like for me to smile?", and gave me the grin that has warmed the hearts of millions. I was so excited to finally meet another of my musical idols. Two years later, my heart sank when I turned on my laptop and saw the picture announcing his passing. "Not Mr. Percy" I cried! "Not Mr. Percy". I will forever cherish the afternoon I stood in amazement as he sang so many familiar songs from his repertoire. Thank you Mr. Percy for the memories and may you rest in eternal peace. Thanks to the family for sharing him with us. May God be with you at this difficult time.
D B Wingate
July 22, 2015
I grew up with my mother listening to your music. Great voice who will be truly missed
June 23, 2015
RIP Percy Sledge. Thank u for your contribution that will remain a part of history.
Jesse & Denice Hayes
June 14, 2015
Shirley Caldwell
June 12, 2015
HE WILL BE MISS
RICHARD CLAPP
May 29, 2015
To the family, I was a little girl the first time I heard when a man loves a woman to young to understand love. But there was something about the feeling he had when he sang that song that let me know early Loving a woman was a good thing. I had that record played at my wedding. Every time I ever heard that song it quited me and made me realize what a very special man he must have been to recognize that. A class act . Rest now. To God Be The Glory.
May 25, 2015
he will miss book him at austin country palace for 10 years he was the bless god be with his wife rose
john lowe
May 25, 2015
Dear Sledge Family I heard and read the loss of Percy Sledge.my condolences's.luv,Faith/Rory
Faith/Rory Tobin/Dockett
May 23, 2015
Dear Sledge Family again my condolences's.my name is FaithTobin and I luv the tune he did of when a man luves a women.luv,Faith/rory
Faith/Rory Tobin/Dockett
May 22, 2015
Dear Sledge Family hello there my name is FaithTobin and my condolences's on the loss of Percy Sledge.he'llsurely be missed very much.hes's had a nice voice.luv,Faith/Rory
Faith/Rory Tobin/Dockett
May 22, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Alishia
May 16, 2015
Rest in Peace Percy. God Bless the Family, Friends, & Fans. Loved your voice.
Madeline Metoyer
May 15, 2015
Rest in Peace, I loved your voice
Roz Thomas
May 14, 2015
LOVE YOU MISSED YOU YOUR SOUL WII BE RESTED IN THE ARMS OF THE LORD AMEN.
Dorothy BENNETT
May 7, 2015
So sorry for your lost. I thank GOD for letting us know a person so dear to the world.
EMMA HARRIS
May 2, 2015
So sorry for the loss of your love one I send my sympathy.
May 1, 2015
His voice was so strong and powerful, you could feel that this song"When a Man Loves a Women" was song by a man who had truly loved a woman. Ecclesiastes 7:1 says: "A good name is better than good oil, and the day of death is better than the day of birth". At birth no one knows what type person we will be, on the day of death the world knows who we are and how we lived our life, The world knows that this man Loved a Women. He will be missed.
L Caston
April 30, 2015
Sir Sledge I know you are at peace .My father died in 2008 all my life it was you that me & my siblings were raised on He got to see you at the gambling boat in Louisiana. I have been fortunate to see you 3 diffrent times .When you left us I cried very hard I felt like I lost another part of my father... As a child to the route to the day I was on my way to give child births .When I got married everything in my46 yrs your music has been on at every occasions. Now my father is with you .I'm sorry for you Rosa and for his children. You all were blessed .We were blessed to grow up with your awsome words, music .Rip Sr Sledge ....ps : when you see my father please play for him , Your greatest fan.
Diana Crawford
April 29, 2015
Sir Sledge I know you are at peace .My father died in 2008 all my life it was you that me & my siblings were raised on He got to see you at the gambling boat in Louisiana. I have been fortunate to see you 3 diffrent times .When you left us I cried very hard I felt like I lost another part of my father... As a child to the route to the day I was on my way to give child births .When I got married everything in my46 yrs your music has been on at every occasions. Now my father is with you .I'm sorry for you Rosa and for his children. You all were blessed .We were blessed to grow up with your awsome words, music .Rip Sr Sledge ....ps : when you see my father please play for him , Your greatest fan.
Diana Crawford
April 29, 2015
To the family and friends of Mr. Percy Sledge.
You are in my prayers. Loved his music.
S Harris
April 29, 2015
It has been over a week since Mr. Sledges passing. I will forever be a true fan. May The Lord continue to be with his family. Always in my prayers.
T Barrett
April 28, 2015
May his soul rest in peace.
Roxanne Russell
April 27, 2015
Got all his music. God bless,
Martha Jeñkins-Carter
April 27, 2015
May you all know he was loved by his fans.
P. Howard
April 27, 2015
I remember meeting him at Charlotte Douglas airport he spoke to all the staff at the gate. He sung a line of his song for us while he was waiting for his flight. He will be truly missed. In my mind I remember some advise he give me. Hope his family find peace knowing his music will keep him present in our hearts and souls.
Ms. Smith
April 26, 2015
So sorry to hear of Percy's passing. I remembered hearing his song as a little girl when my sisters who were older than me would listen to it all the time. May you trust in Almighty God for strength and comfort during this time. He will sustain you.
VW
April 25, 2015
May his voice be heard in heaven. May he RIP
patricia weeks
April 24, 2015
Saddened to hear of Percy's passing. I can still hear that distinctive original vocal rendition as if it was today. These times are difficult but allow God to sustain you and grant you comfort.( Psalms 55:22). My prayers are with Percy's family and friends.
April 24, 2015
Gloria Lightfoot Harper
April 23, 2015
Shirley Caldwell
April 23, 2015
Sending my condolences to the family, my prayers are with you in this time of need of your loss.
Mango & Peggy Washington
April 22, 2015
A living legend... Glad to have been a part of his music legacy. Sincere condolences to the family.
Laura , Holli, Tamara , and Gabriel
Laura B. Willis
April 22, 2015
Charlene, praying for you and your family. He is dancing and singing in the Sky!
Diane Robertson
April 22, 2015
See you one of these days! You have left some incredable works behind you!!!
Harry Prior
April 22, 2015
In Loving Memory of Percy Sledge, who will be remember for the songs he sung. Gone but not forgotten. Father God please keep this family in great comfort and continue give the strength to go on. IN JESUS NAME. AMEN
Connie Lathers
April 22, 2015
RIP Mr. Sledge. St. Matthew Baptist Church
Felicia Holmes
April 22, 2015
Rest In Peace Sing for the angles in Heaven
April 22, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
April 22, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dolores Taylor and Family
April 22, 2015
I am very sad. About the Loss of a Great Person.
Janice Evans
April 21, 2015
Our prayers are with the Sledge family, wishing all of them the best. I love listening to Percy's music and will continue to listen.
Florence Williams
April 21, 2015
To the Sledge , may God continues to bless this family . RIP Percy you left a memories that know one will every forget.
K W West sr
April 21, 2015
A great entertainer who's music meant a great deal to a lot of people..."Take Time to Know Her" is my favorite...Rest In Peace...
V.Coates Columbus OH
April 21, 2015
Charlene.... I am Praying for you and your Family's strength during this time of sorrow. Just remember...... 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. ........ God Bless you guys ! R.I.P. Mr. Sledge
Katrina Young
April 21, 2015
I loved listening to Mr Sledge sing When a Man Loves A Woman and I was so sorry to hear of his passing but God promises to swallow death forever, it will soon be a thing of the past
K Ferris
April 21, 2015
God Bless the Sledge Family in their time of sorrow.
Pamela Warren
April 21, 2015
In Loving Memory Of Mr. Percy Tyrone Sledge. You will always be remembered.
Melvin & Gladys Deamer
April 21, 2015
Our Prayers & Thoughts are with you. May God Bless
Elijah & Wanda Sledge,Sr.
April 21, 2015
Our Thoughts and prayers are with The Sledge Family... May God Bless
Melinda Sledge-Fairley
April 21, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Selena Harris
April 21, 2015
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
By Lamaretta Simmons
April 21, 2015
Deepest Sympathy to the family. Your music will live on.
cynthia Anderson
April 21, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Phil & Sherry Scott
April 21, 2015
To the Sledge family you are in my thoughts and prayers. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Shandria Peter-Smith
April 21, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Savitri Norman-Haney & Family
April 21, 2015
God Bless you and your Family in this time of grief. He will live on his music, one of the best and irreplaceable.
donna watts
April 21, 2015
Jackie
April 21, 2015
Thanks for the memories Percy.What a voice!! What a song, it will forever live on as one of the greats.
Jackie
April 21, 2015
To The Sledge Family; our deepest sympathy are extended to you; we will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills....My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2
Maxine W. Varnado and Family
April 21, 2015
May God be with the family of Mr. Sledge during this time. Because he is with his Lord and Savior. God Bless you all.
Trenia Walker-Butler
April 21, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to the Sledge family. I grew up listening to Percy in the 60s and as a radio announcer played his music over and over. My kids loved coming home saying Mr Sledge dropped us off. He was a good neighbor and a very easy person to talk to. We'll miss him.
Rodney Smith
April 21, 2015
My wife and I danced to MAn loves a WOman at our Wedding, what a great moving song. We've Lost another wonderful voice in the choir of humanity
April 21, 2015
In your time of breavment. My condolences.
Katina Dixon
April 21, 2015
My son started singing When A Man Loves A Woman at the age of seven,he competed and won four times performing this song on stage at the Apollo Theater in Harlem,New York. Thank you Mr.Sledge for inspiring all of us.May your family find comfort and may your soul rest in paradise.
Tressa Stewart-Stone
April 21, 2015
PERCY SLEDGE AND THE SLEDGEHAMMER BAND WILL FOREVER BE THE MEANING OF SOUL MUSIC IN EVERYONE'S HEARTS.SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO WILLIE (DOC) WOODS OUR ROAD MANAGER AND PERCY'S BROTHER. ALFRED COOPER DRUMMER 1968.
April 21, 2015
My condolences & prayers go out to my Aunt Rose, their daughters and their son.
Jason Royal Howard
April 20, 2015
Our Thoughts And Prayers Go Out To The Sledge Family....
Cheatom Family
April 20, 2015
robert iii davis
April 20, 2015
We are sorry for your loss.Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies. our hearts go out to the family during this difficult time. Rest in peace,Classmate.
Eloise Eggleston Jamar and family.
Eloise Jamar
April 20, 2015
my prayers and sympathy are with the sledge family may God continue to bless you in all your endeavors
rev.stanley clark
April 20, 2015
If love could have kept him I know he would still be here for his family. I have listened too and loved his music always.
Ethel Watis-Williams
April 20, 2015
GOD BLESS YOU FAMILY AND MAY GOD KEEP YOU ALL IN PERFECT PEACE. HOLD ON TO GOD'S UNCHANGED HANDS . LOVE YOU ALL. BE BLESSED. LOVE ,MONA AND FAMILY
MONA BAILEY
April 20, 2015
My condolences to the Family of Mr. Percy Sledge and to the extended family members. We have enjoyed his music for many years. Music that spanned through several generations, now he can rest with the Lord.
May God bless you, Sledge Family
Prenellia Thompson
April 20, 2015
Rest In Heaven PERCY SLEDGE....I grew up listening to and loving your music and it shall live on for generations to come....REST ON SOLDIER, REST ON!
Audrey Moorer
April 20, 2015
Your light will forever shine in our lives. We love you Percy!
Tongia Sanders
April 20, 2015
Our hearts and prayers are with the Sledge Family. I am a big fan of Mr. Sledge. I will always remember my Dad playing," When a Man Loves Woman!" RIP
Tongia Sanders
April 20, 2015
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