Strother S. Sligh

COLUMBIA—Coach Strother S. Sligh “Duck Doctor”, 69, of Columbia, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2016.A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 2016 in Bush River Memorial Gardens, Reverend Mary L. Johnson and Reverend Tiffany Knowlin will officiate. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at Temples Halloran Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. Born in Columbia, SC, he was the son the late Sheriff Strother S. Sligh and Ruth Proudfit Sligh.He was a proud graduate of Eau Claire High School, class of 1964 which was ranked ninth in the nation academically. While at Eau Claire he played football and baseball.Coach Sligh graduated from USC with a degree in chemical engineering. While at USC he played baseball and was a letterman. He also received his M.A.T. in mathematics. Coach Sligh started coaching and teaching physics and math at Irmo in 1971. He became the head baseball coach and coached football at different levels through his career at Irmo. He coached with such greats as Joe Turbeville, Bob Rollings, Mike Moore, and Kirk Burnett. Over the years, Strother mentored and guided those he worked with, players and coaches, to understand that the games that we play are more than just drills and skills. He taught that you could be a tough coach, but still show love for one another because those are the ones that you count on. Three young coaches that Strother had an impact on their philosophies are John Bass, Ray Canady and Chris Stout. He was recognized by the SCSCA for over 30 years of service. His coaching career is highlighted by appearing in 6 state championships, winning three (1985, 1987, 1998), induction into the SCSCA Hall of Fame in 2009, and the baseball field officially being named “Strother Sligh Field”. Surviving are his loving wife of 46 years, Linda Horne Sligh; sister, Ruth Gross of Port Charlotte, FL; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Brunson (Marvin) of Columbia; nephew, Thad Brunson (Elizabeth), his Labrador “Babe”, as well as a number of loving nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three of his four sisters. Memorials can be made to College Place United Methodist Church, where Strother was a life-long member, at 4801 Colonial Drive, Columbia 29203 or to the Irmo Yellow Jacket Club, designated for baseball.