Big Stone Gap, Va.- Howard Edward “Snookem” Sloan Sr., 83, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at his residence.
He was born and raised in Derby, Va. and lived in Big Stone Gap most of his life. He was a Section Foreman for Westmoreland Coal Company for several years. Howard loved woodcrafting, planting flowers, and especially watching his grandchildren grow up. He was a member of Cedar Ridge Freewill Baptist Church.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Betty (Falin) Sloan; siblings, Garland “Monk” Sloan, Hubert Sloan, Kenneth Sloan, Pearl McCart, and Freda “Teen” Kemp.
Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Patti Sloan of the home; son, Howard Sloan, Jr. of Dryden, Va. and Pamela Vanover of Wise, Va.; grandchildren, Melinda Miller (Jerry), Joey Grizzle, Jody Grizzle, Sara Clark, Elisabeth Vanover, Dylan Grizzle, Evie Grizzle and Eric Sloan; great grandchildren Hunter Miller, Ashley Miller, Jazmin Miller, Matthew Miller, Jaylynn Miller, Nora Grizzle, Derek Grizzle, Lakota Clark, Lakelynn Clark and Walker Clark and several nieces and nephews. Howard is also survived by special friends, Pam Skeen and Teresa Clark; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-laws who loved him deeply and his church friends.
The family will receive friends on Monday, August 24, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave West, Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will follow with Pastor James Holcomb officiating.
The graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11:00 am in American Legion Cemetery, Big Stone Gap with Cotton Gardner ministering. Family and friends are asked to assemble at Gilliam Funeral Home at 10:20 to go in procession to the cemetery.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Sloan family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.