Charlie was born in Grand Rapids, MI to Charles R Sligh Jr and Charlotte Klumph Sligh. He moved with his family to Holland, MI in 1933 and grew up on the shore of Lake Macatawa. Charlie was active in many water sports in his youth including water skiing, sailing, and powerboating. After attending the Culver Military Academy Charlie served in the US Army infantry from 1945 to 1947. Charlie was stationed with the occupation forces in Garmisch Germany at a Bavarian resort where he taught GI’s water skiing, sailing, snow skiing, and horseback riding. He had many good stories of his time in the service.
After completing his service, Charlie attended Hope College and Davenport University. After graduation, he joined the family furniture manufacturing business, Sligh Furniture. At Sligh Furniture he was President of Sligh Contract Furniture and then Vice President of Sligh Furniture and Clocks. Charlie was a gifted salesperson and was fondly remembered by his many customers.
In his free time, Charlie was an active sailor, especially in the Ensign Class with his boat Sea III. He won many regional and national events within the Ensign Class and served as the Ensign Class Commodore. His interest in boating led him to Macatawa Bay Yacht Club where he served as Commodore. Charlie especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and will be fondly remembered for his joy in life, his one-of-a-kind laughter, and his overall positive outlook.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn Barkel Sligh, his daughter Susan Sligh VanDyke, his granddaughter Emily VanDyke, brother Robert Louis Sligh, and brother-in-law Roger Ver Sluis. He is survived by his children: Charles R. Sligh IV, David (Kathy) Sligh, Thomas (Dory) Sligh, and Jim (Bev) VanDyke, his siblings Richard (Marti) Sligh, and Patti Ver Sluis, as well as thirteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandson.
