Sunday January 7, 2024 Stuart Anthony Slagle Sr., 63 of Emporia received the checkered flag and headed to the winners circle. 

Stuart lived a life in the fast lane from his single digit years. Before he was steady on his feet, he was hip deep in an engine compartment. If it had gears, he would know how it works, tear it down and rebuild it so it would run faster. 

From his teenage years forward, there was only one car he didn't and wouldn't own.. a Ford. 

His life started with a blue and primer colored '67 Pontiac Lemans. With that car, he became a father, husband and began the road to being the legend he is today. 

Stuart's pride and joy were his children, Yvonne(Chase), Stuart Jr (Khloe, Brent) Catie, and Eric(Jaxson) His heart was the foundation he and Connie laid for each of their children. He instilled work ethic, a love of racing, how to treat people whether it was to love them or tell them where their place was, as well as what family meant into each of those children. 

Stuart was not necessarily one to "light up the room" but he sure knew how to fill it with sound, a trait he very earnestly gained from his mom, Margaret who very much rejoiced when he came "home"

When asked what a life lived even looks like, it should be said to just look at how Stuart lived. Whether it was racing cars when he probably shouldn't have, hunting deer like it was his job, being the small town sweetheart who took care of everyone's grandma when she needed help, loving his family with every fiber of his being, holding his friends just as tight, not letting the small things bother him, or just never being down and out or angry unless someone was driving in the left lane for no reason, or commercials lasted a minute too long. 

Stuart is now reunited with his family, multiple friends and a few racing buddies. The next time there is a thunderstorm just know, somebody told Stuart they could out run him and he's proving them wrong as always, he's finally met his match and is giving Dale Earnhardt hell up there or he has built yet another Nova, or S-10 with pipes that will rattle your windows. 

If you take anything from Stuart and his way of living, please Live life in the fast lane but make sure you take time to enjoy the view too. 

The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday, January 11 in the auditorium of Greensville Elementary School followed at 7 p.m. by a memorial service.