Johnny Wayne Sloop

Johnny Wayne Sloop, 79, of Locust, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Locust, with Rev. Dr. Tommy Ross, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 2:45 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Johnny was born December 30, 1946, in Cabarrus County to the late Hubert and Leona Sloop. He is lovingly survived by his wife of 40 years, Wanda Coleman Sloop. Those also left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Joy Huber (Douglas); six grandchildren; sister, Brenda Jolly (Kenneth); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his special uncle, Carl Belcher. Johnny was deeply proud of his service to his country as a veteran of the United States Army. During the Vietnam War, he served in Qui Nhon with the 127th Military Police Company and served during the Tet Offensive. He had also previously served as a member of the 1st Infantry Division, "The Big Red One". Although his military service was an important part of his life, he remained humble by the experience it gave him. A man of strong and abiding faith, Johnny was a devoted and active member of First Baptist Church of Locust, where he faithfully served in numerous leadership roles throughout the years. His faith was demonstrated not only through his involvement in the church, but also through his willingness to serve others. He was actively involved with North Carolina Baptists on Mission, generously giving his time and talents to assist communities following numerous disasters. Johnny also had a special place in his heart for young people and greatly enjoyed working with and encouraging youth. His church was more than a place he attended; it was a community he loved and help strengthen. He approached life with an unwavering trust in God's plan and a deep commitment to living out his faith. Johnny was a talented woodworker who enjoyed creating things with his hands. He had a keen interest in computers and technology and enjoyed keeping up with the ever-changing world of computers. He also loved to travel and treasured the many places he was able to experience, with his trip to Australia holding a particularly special place among his memories. Above all, Johnny's greatest joy was his family. The time he spent with those he loved was precious to him, and the relationships he shared with his wife, daughter, grandchildren, and extended family meant more to him than anything else. The words of Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. This beautifully reflects the faith Johnny carried throughout his life: the assurance that nothing in life or death can separate God's children from His everlasting love. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Tillery Compassionate Care for the kindness, compassion, and support shown to Johnny and his family during his declining health. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Locust Building Fund, P.O. Box 159, Locust, NC 28097, or Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001. Johnny leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, devotion, and love. He faithfully served his country, his church, his community, and, most importantly, his family. While his presence will be deeply missed, those who loved him find comfort in the faith by which he lived and in the promise that the love of God that sustained him throughout this life now holds him eternally.

Johnny Wayne Sloop

December 30, 1946 - August 31, 2026