- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Longtime El Dorado Mechanic James 'Buzz' Slade Dies at 60
Slade spent over four decades working at Perry's Body Shop before passing away earlier this month.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
James 'Buzz' Thomas Slade Jr., a 60-year-old resident of El Dorado, Arkansas, passed away on February 5, 2026 at 8:32pm. Slade was a devoted husband of 10 years to Monica Clemons Slade and a loving father to six children. He spent 41 years working at Perry's Body Shop and was known for his close-knit work family.
Why it matters
Slade's passing marks the end of an era for the tight-knit community of El Dorado, where he was a fixture at the local body shop for over four decades. His dedication to his work and family reflects the values of small-town America that are increasingly rare in today's fast-paced world.
The details
Slade was born on November 17, 1965 in Monroe, Louisiana to the late James Thomas Slade. In addition to his wife Monica, he is survived by six children - Jacob Slade, Mary Beth Slade, Matthew Slade, Andrea Tyler, Konrad Williams, and Thadeus Williams - as well as 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Slade spent his entire 41-year career at Perry's Body Shop, where he was beloved by his coworkers.
- Slade passed away on February 5, 2026 at 8:32pm.
- Visitation will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026 from 6pm to 8pm at Benton Funeral Home in Hampton.
- Graveside services will be held at 11am on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at New Hope cemetery, with Bro. Ricky Smith officiating.
The players
James 'Buzz' Thomas Slade Jr.
A 60-year-old resident of El Dorado, Arkansas who spent 41 years working at Perry's Body Shop before passing away earlier this month.
Monica Clemons Slade
Slade's wife of 10 years.
Perry's Body Shop
The local auto body shop where Slade worked for over four decades.
The takeaway
Slade's passing is a poignant reminder of the value of community, family, and dedication to one's work - qualities that are increasingly rare in today's fast-paced world. His legacy will live on through his loved ones and the close-knit work family he leaves behind.
