Dr. David Frank Slonaker, 90, of Midland, GA, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Born December 26, 1935, at home in Jonesborough, TN, David was the youngest of three boys born to Frank Slonaker and Ruby Henley Slonaker.
He graduated from Jonesborough High School and earned a BA and an MA in chemistry from East Tennessee State University. A gifted photographer, he helped pay for his way through college with his camera work. He was also a proud member of the Army reserve, serving with dedication and honor, and the pride he took in wearing the uniform was evident to everyone who knew him.
After college, David worked as a chemist at Eastman Kodak in Kingsport, TN, before turning his love of photography into a full-time professional career. He later earned a PhD in psychology from North Carolina State University and worked at the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, NC, and then the Guilford County Mental Health Center as a clinical psychologist. He shared his knowledge of life and human nature in three books: Teenagers Ahead, Do What You Can When You Can, and Debt is the Enemy.
His last career, forestry, was also his most fulfilling. He was a co-founder and board member of the West Central Georgia Forest Landowner Association and continued to work managing his tree farms until the time of his death.
His faith in God and his love of the land and family were the cornerstones of his life. If he met a stranger, they didn’t stay a stranger for very long.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rose Sara Pritchett Slonaker; his son, Dr. Richard Lynn Slonaker (Ödül); his daughter, Dr. Tammy Slonaker Spear (Michael); grandchildren Laura Smith (Josh), Sara Strader (David), and Alisa Slonaker; and great-grandchildren Aidan Smith, Declan Smith, and Wyatt Strader.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruby Henley Slonaker, and his brothers, John Slonaker and Bob Slonaker.
A funeral service will be held Friday, October 9, at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Pine Mountain, Pine Mountain, GA. The family will greet guests beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Family Life Center.
A graveside service will be held Sunday, October 11, at 2:00 p.m. at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Jonesborough, TN.
Flowers are welcome. Memorial donations may also be made to: Catholic Relief Services Address: P.O. Box 5278 Tipton, IA 52772 phone 1-888-277-7575 crs.org Global Ministries/UMCOR GPO Address: P.O. Box 9068 New York, NY 10087 phone 1-800-862-4246 umcmission.org
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
