Victor Lee Slider passed away on July 1, 2026. He was born at home on December 24, 1948, in Paden City, West Virginia.
Vic graduated from Marshall University with a degree in Biology before joining the United States Navy. During his distinguished 20-year naval career, he traveled the world aboard the P-3 Orion aircraft, tracking Russian submarines throughout the Cold War. He earned Top Secret security clearance, received numerous commendations, and rose to the rank of Commander. While serving his country, he also earned a master’s degree in human resources and obtained his private pilot’s license.
In 1969, Vic married his high school sweetheart, Donna Kay Moyers Slider. Together they shared more than 50 years of marriage. Vic and Donna were the proud parents of four children. Vic always made every effort to arrange his schedule to be home with his family. He coached soccer teams, enthusiastically “encouraged” from the sidelines, and was the person everyone relied on to fix anything around the house. One of his greatest gifts was the confidence he instilled in his children. He helped with homework, challenged them to step outside their comfort zones, and taught them to embrace adventure.
His philosophy was simple: work hard, play hard, seek new experiences, remain loyal to your family above all else, and create wonderful memories. To Vic, experiences were life’s greatest investment. Adventure remained a constant throughout his life. He loved motorcycles, boating, skiing, flying, golfing, pickleball, and traveling the world.
For more than 25 years, Vic and Donna faithfully served through Casa Alleluia Orphanage in Guatemala. They helped build schools and dormitories, sponsored many children, and returned often to visit and support them. After retiring early, Vic and Donna moved to The Villages, Florida, in 2007. They immediately dedicated countless volunteer hours to the Wildwood Soup Kitchen, helping provide daily meals to hundreds of people in need.
They traveled extensively, Vic played golf and pickleball nearly every day, joined numerous clubs, and formed lifelong friendships. Of all their activities, none brought them greater joy than the Couples Partner Pattern Dance Group, where they found not only a favorite pastime but also some of their dearest friends.
Perhaps no tradition was more treasured than “Nanny & Papa Camp.” Every summer, their grandchildren eagerly anticipated a week filled with unforgettable adventures—golf cart scavenger hunts, horseback riding, water parks, and endless fun. As the family grew, those traditions expanded to Disney cruises, beach vacations, lake house gatherings, mountain retreats, and family competitions complete with Olympic-style gold medal ceremonies. Vic and Donna found their greatest happiness in creating memories their grandchildren will treasure for the rest of their lives.
Vic also cherished the lifelong bond he shared with his brothers and sister. Whether returning home to West Virginia for hunting trips and card games or welcoming family South, he remained deeply committed to those relationships. He often reminded his kids, “Your siblings are the longest relationships of your life,” and he lived those words faithfully.
Vic is survived by his children, Victoria Simitses (William), Jason Slider (Whitney), Nathan Slider (Jaime), and Amanda Elliott (Chris); his brother, Gary Slider (Wendy); his beloved grandchildren, Alex Simitses, Matthew Simitses, Luke Simitses; Madeline Slider, Ruthie Slider, Zoe Slider, Caleb Slider; Jett Slider, Tripp Slider, Avree Slider, Beckett Slider, Bentlee Slider; Leah Elliott, Ryan Elliott, and Lexi Elliott; as well as many cherished brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Donna Kay Moyers Slider, on April 7, 2020; his parents, William Ralph Slider and Phyllis Weaver Slider; his brothers, Glenn Slider, Boyd Slider, and Randy Slider; and his sisters, Darlene Slider Meeks and Turah Ann Slider.