Ben L. Sloan

Ben L. Sloan, 91, of Locust, NC, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023.  He had been in retirement since 1996, having served as a microbiologist, teacher and entrepreneur.  Dr. Sloan formerly resided in Kennesaw, GA, since 1978; Baltimore, MD; Jefferson City, TN; and Athens, GA.

Dr. Sloan was born September 24, 1932, in Charlotte, NC, to the late Glen Richard Sloan and the late Rena Azalea Kluytenberg Sloan.  He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Patsy Ruth Guin Sloan; and sister, Jo Sloan Philbeck.

Dr. Sloan graduated from Mars Hill College, and the University of North Carolina.  He attended graduate school at the University of Georgia and received an M.Ed. and a Ph.D. in the biological sciences in 1964. His research interest was in the field of immunology and he continued work in this area while at Tropical Atlantic Biological Laboratory at the University of Florida, Coral Gables, and at the University of Florida School of Immunology and Medical Microbiology in Gainesville, FL.  He was a professor of Biological Sciences at Carson Newman College, Jefferson City, TN, where he received the Distinguished Faculty Award.  He also served part time faculty positions at Morristown State University, Morristown, TN, and Duke University School of Marine Sciences.  While working as a college professor, he attended National Science Foundation Institutes at Oak Ridge Associated University, Tulane University, the University of Florida and the Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago.

While at Jefferson City, Dr. Sloan served as president of Kiwanis International and as commanding officer and commandant of the Naval Reserve facility in Knoxville, TN.  He retired in the Navy at the rank of Captain.  While commanding officer in Knoxville, his unit was recognized and awarded national honors as the outstanding large surface division.

After relocating to the Atlanta area, Dr. Sloan established the Biological Service Laboratory company where he conducted food testing for several companies in this area.  He also joined Vinings Industries as a microbiologist and became laboratory director.  Dr. Sloan was a professor in the biology department at Kennesaw College for several years. He then went on to establish Biological Laboratory Services, Inc., where he conducted food testing for several companies in the area.

Dr. Sloan was a member of the Reserve Officers Assn, National Assn of Uniformed Services, Assn of Southeastern Biologists, and the American Society of Parasitologists.  

Dr. Sloan is survived by his beloved wife, Frances Christine Coble Sloan of Locust, NC; son, Michael L. Sloan, M.D., and wife, Stacy, of Cheyenne, WY (2 step-grandchildren, Kennon Kirk and Eryn Edwards; and 2 step great-grandchildren); daughter, Judy Sloan Adams, and husband, Sam, of Ball Ground, GA; 3 granddaughters, Astin (Jacob) Singer, Ellen Sloan, and Jesse Adams; 2 great-children, Julian and Rush; nephews, Richard and John Philbeck; step-son, Cary Curlee, and wife, Charity, of Boone, NC; step-grandchildren, Kristen Helms, Michael Curlee, Colton Curlee, Jenna Curlee, and Eli Curlee; and 7 step great-grandchildren. 

The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.  Dr. Sloan's celebration of life with military honors will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 12 o'clock in the afternoon, at Hartsell Funeral Home in Midland, officiated by Rev. Jeremy Brackett and Rev. Jeff Springer.  Dr. Sloan was laid to rest at Sharon Memorial Park, Charlotte, NC. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Stanly County Christian Ministries, PO Box 58, Albemarle, NC 28002; sccminc.org/giving

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland, NC, is serving the Sloan family.