Harold Gene Sledge

Date of Death: December 6, 2020

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First Baptist Church - Midland

Monday 12/14, 1:30 pm

Harold “Gene” Sledge, 90, of Midland, went home to his Heavenly Father on Sunday, December 6, 2020. Gene was born on March 27, 1930 to Annie (Scott) and John Wesley “Wes” Sledge in Comanche, Texas. Gene had three siblings, Jake, Bob, and Sally.

After graduating from Comanche High School, Gene moved to Odessa, Texas to start a new life, working as a carpenter and enrolling in classes at Odessa College. Odessa is where Gene met the love of his life, Joyce Ann Odneal in 1949. They were married on August 15, 1951. Shortly after Gene and Joyce were wed, Gene proudly served two years for the United States Army. Upon his return, Gene got his start in the oil business and he and Joyce started their family. In less than five years they welcomed three sons – David, Steve, and Mike – then decided to move their family of five to Midland.

Gene worked in various roles for several oilfield companies, including Iverson Supply and Bovaird Supply. After a few short years working for Eddins-Walcher selling fuel and lubricants, Gene was named Vice President. In 1971 Gene entered a partnership with two friends, purchasing three drilling rigs, to create Chaparral Drilling. Three years later he left Chaparral, taking the three rigs as his equity. With faith, a lot of guts and a loan secured with a handshake, Gene Sledge Drilling Corp. began in 1974. GSDC was a very successful, long-standing company built on Gene’s unmatched work ethic and exceptionally high standards. Gene, his company, his employees, and his equipment were widely known for their premier performance and presentation – Gene would have it no other way. Gene was the consummate “iron-ass,” never settling for anything less than perfection. His employees loved and respected him; they were proud to work on that “red iron.” Gene was known to show up on location, unannounced, to be sure his rigs were up to his standards. In between tripping pipe, rigging up and down, GSDC crews would be busy scrubbing or applying a new coat of paint to the rigs. His expectation of excellence and zero tolerance approach earned him the nickname “Mean Gene.” His contemporaries appreciated and grew to expect his high standards, integrity, and tireless work ethic. For many years he enjoyed working closely with his sons, David and Mike. In 1996 Gene Sledge Drilling sold and Gene continued his oil and gas endeavors with H.G. Sledge, Inc. until 2015.

While Gene leaves a legacy of hard work and grit, he also leaves an incredible legacy of faith in God and a life-long love and commitment to his precious bride of 69 years, Joyce. Gene’s quiet and constant faith has helped shape lives for three generations. He cherished his wife, their sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gene was a loyal friend, a great philanthropist, an impressive collector of guns, car enthusiast, devoted cattle rancher, and most loved being with Joyce on their ranch in Zephyr, Texas. As a man of virtue, passion and drive, Gene has made a lasting impact on many lives.

Gene is survived by his wife, Joyce Ann; sons David (Sandy), Mike (Sarah) all of Midland; daughter-in-law, Carol Sledge of Houston; grandchildren Shelley (Kyle) Cunningham of Midland; Sam (Helen) Sledge of Midland; Spencer (Kelsey) Sledge of Houston; Ashley (Derek) Blackstock of Midland; and great-grandchildren Silas, John David, Ella, and Jack, with two more on the way. Gene is preceded in death by his parents Annie (Scott) and John Wesley “Wes” Sledge; siblings Bob, Sally and Jake; son, Steven Phillip Sledge; and his beloved dog, Prissie.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30pm on Monday, December 14, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Midland, Texas with a burial to follow at Resthaven Cemetery. A livestream of the service will be available via https://vimeo.com/488616520. Those able to attend the service in person are asked to please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Please look to the church staff and signage for guidance about how to best keep everyone safe.

Arrangements are under Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in memory of Gene Sledge be made to MARC, 2701 N A St, Midland, Texas 79705.

First Baptist Church - Midland

Monday 12/14, 1:30 pm

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Gene Sledge was an honorable, generous man who gave me my start in the oil business. I was new to Midland, fresh from Middlebury College in Vermont, wanting to break-in to the oil business in 1978. Well-dressed and well-spoken, Mr Sledge granted me an interview. He looked me up and down and sized me up, and advised: "Now don't you be telling anyone on the rigs you went to college; those hardworking roughnecks might eat you alive! I will assign you to my best driller, Skeeter. He will keep an eye out for you and teach you the ropes. It is hard work, but you'll catch on quick," he assured. The next day I was a lead tong-hand for the Gene Sledge Drilling Company. That was the first real break of my professional life. Gene Sledge gave me confidence that has lasted my lifetime. Thank you, Gene Sledge. Your generosity and support early in my career taught me the life lesson to pass on confidence and hopefully a "break" to the those from the next generation who have mustered the courage to ask me for such a favor. Gene Sledge, you gave me my start.; It made all the difference. I am ever-grateful.

We are so sad to see that a pillar of our community has passed. You and your family are in our thoughts & prayers. Jan & Joe

Sorry for your loss praying for the family

I can’t help but post a memory of my father in law...we saw him almost every Sunday when we took them dinner. For some reason I thought chicken spaghetti would be a good dish and he quickly let me know he is a meat and potatoes guy. He always told me I needed to work or work hard. He asked me for my bank statements the moment I met him at the ranch which is where I was honored to meet him for the first time. He told me army stories over and over and while he was proud of himself...I was also proud of him. We spent a day at Ally picking out a gun for Mike and having a soda pop together and that was my most memorable moment. I already miss you Harold Gene. And I always will

So so sorry Mike! It’s so hard to lose your dad! Will be praying for y’all during these next several months!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Gene drilled our first well for Baytech! He was a great man and a great business man! He will be missed by many! Prayers for you all!

Gene, I am going to miss the monthly phone calls, the laugh's, and all the stories. I guess God needed a oilman, well he got the best. Rest In Peace. Love, your nephew Doug

Our love and prayers go out to the Sledge family! Gene was "one of a kind" and will be missed dearly. Many, many fond memories of this sweet man and family! Hugs to you all - The Brannon & Merket family

I met “Mr Sledge” at the age of 23, about to marry Bob Landenberger’s daughter. Bigger than life, the man who drilled for the small wildcatters of the oil patch. Meeting him again at a local restaurant, he actually remembered my name...I am sure he and Bob are enjoying each other’s company again. A Legend in Midland Texas.

My sincere condolences to the entire family.

In memory of Harold Gene Sledge, Jimmy Jordan lit a candle

You all have our prayers for peace and comfort during these difficult times. Gene was a VERY SPECIAL PERSON, FRIEND and MENTOR!! We loved him dearly and we will miss him very much!!!!

Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Gene when I was a teen. Know he will be missed greatly. Alan and I will be praying for you and your family. God Bless! DeeDee Neal

Gene ur going to be missed, u trusted me 31/2 yrs ago to take care of ur beautiful bride u saw her sitting outside her house on front porch swing, an u will not have to worry about ur pride joy bc she will be take care of like the queen u made her too be I going to miss our morning walks an talks we had, an going to miss u tell me “ am fine will u leave me alone “ now we have another Angel watch over us Gene u were a great sweet man am gone miss dearly

My deepest condolences an prayers to Joyce an David an Mike an grandkids, Gene was a sweet great man am going to miss u gene are morning walks with our talks an going to have nobody to pick on now, I no ur in a better place an in no more pain, your gone but never forgotten am going to miss u tell me “Leave me alone am fine” an u hitting me with ur cane I miss u already u had a special place in my heart, an it’s not good bye it’s I’ll see u again love u gene

In memory of Harold Gene Sledge, Oscar Dominguez lit a candle

David, We are very sorry to learn about the loss of your Dad. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you, Mike, your mom and all the extended family during this time of loss. Steve and Jan Davidson

I worked as a caregiver to care for Gene's precious wife in October 2017 to June 2020. Gene was such a great man! He cared about his wife dearly and always wanted the best for her care! He treated us caregivers as family! Gene cared about everyone! He was a great man! It is a pleasure to say that I got to know him and care for his precious wife for almost 3 years! Gene will be very missed! Prayers for his sweet wife and family!

Harold will forever be missed. For the 2 years of knowing him and Joyce, taking care of the both of them I became very attached to them. Gene and I had a bond where we’d aggravate each other just to see one another smile. We’ve had heart to heart conversations and we’ve sat down plenty of times to hear his stories of being in the war. Harold gene was someone who I looked to for advice even when it was hard to take in. He loved his sweetheart Joyce, and made sure she was taking care of before him. I know things won’t be the same with him not here but I know his expectations stuck with me and I won’t let him down now. I’m going to miss him (old man).

Please accept our sincere prayers and sympathy at this time of need. Laynce and I are holding you close to our thoughts at this time. What an incredible Father, Husband, Grandad and Businessman! You all have the bar set high and I know he will leave a huge void. God bless you all and may you be filled with His peace and comfort in these coming days.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Cathy and I send our deepest sympathies for the Sledge family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. God bless

Jean & I extend our heartfelt sympathy and comforting prayers for Joyce and their family. Gene was a schoolmate and Comanche and longtime friend and he will be missed.

I am so very sorry for your loss ! May you find comfort in your faith , friends, and family.

Sorry to hear about Gene, thought a lot of him, was a longtime customer, Prayers for the family

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.