News Summary
The Rock Hill music community is in mourning following the passing of D. Jeffery Sligh, a beloved music educator and community leader. Sligh passed away on March 8, 2025, at the age of 65, leaving behind a rich legacy of musical excellence and community engagement. His contributions to the local music scene, particularly through his role at Clinton College and as the founder of the Rock Hill Ecumenical Chorale, have touched many lives. A visitation service and funeral are planned to honor his memory.
Rock Hill Music Community Mourns the Loss of D. Jeffery Sligh
Rock Hill, a city known for its vibrant music scene, is grappling with the heartbreaking loss of one of its most cherished figures. D. Jeffery Sligh, a passionate and influential music educator, departed this world on March 8, 2025, at the age of 65. His passing has left a profound void in the community, as tributes and remembrances pour in from those who were touched by his dedication and spirit.
A Lifelong Dedication to Music
Sligh was not just a music educator; he was a pillar of the community who supported numerous musical initiatives throughout Rock Hill. With a remarkable 34-year career as a congressional aide for former U.S. Representatives John Spratt and Mick Mulvaney, he retired in 2017 after notably serving as Mulvaney’s district director. His commitment to both music and public service showcased his multifaceted talents and burning passion for uplifting others.
Impeccable Style and Standards
Known for his impeccable style, Sligh was often described as one of the best-dressed individuals in Rock Hill. He brought a flair not only to music but also to his professional demeanor, embodying the very essence of elegance and grace. This distinctive style was matched only by his high standards; he was a perfectionist in both his musical endeavors and professional duties. Fellow musicians, like Bobby Plair Jr., have remarked on Sligh’s unwavering commitment to excellence, which inspired many to elevate their own craft.
A Legacy at Clinton College
For an impressive 32 years, Sligh served as the director of chorale activities at Clinton College, where he transformed the Clinton College Chorale into a celebrated ensemble. His innovative approaches and talented mentorship invigorated the musical landscape of the college and left an indelible mark on students and faculty alike. The current Interim President of Clinton College, Archinya Ingram, expressed great admiration for Sligh, highlighting his passion for music and the lasting legacy he has created.
Contributions to Local Music
In addition to his role at Clinton College, Sligh was a visionary leader in Rock Hill’s music community. He founded and directed the Rock Hill Ecumenical Chorale, bringing together diverse voices for performances that resonated deeply with audiences. As a charter member of the board of directors for the Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra, he played a critical role in fostering a love for music throughout the region.
Seeing the World Through Music
Sligh viewed music as a “window to the soul,” offering healing and uplifting qualities that resonate with every listener. His belief in the transformative power of music was a guiding principle in his life, shaping not only his teachings but also his interactions with others. Family and friends recounted how he used music as a tool to inspire and connect with people from all walks of life.
Services and Lasting Memory
As the Rock Hill community comes together to remember Sligh, a visitation service is scheduled for March 14, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakland Baptist Church, located at 1067 Oakland Ave in Rock Hill. The funeral will follow on March 15, 2025, at 11 a.m., allowing friends, family, and admirers to pay their final respects. Sligh is survived by his loving husband, Tim Ward, as well as his sisters, Arlechia Oakman and Donna Bryant, along with several nieces and nephews, who will all miss him dearly.
Once laid to rest at Rock Hill Memorial Gardens, D. Jeffery Sligh’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the music he inspired, and the community he loved. His contributions will forever resonate in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him, and Rock Hill will surely feel his absence for years to come.
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Rock Hill Remembers D. Jeffery Sligh, Esteemed Music Educator
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Rock Hill Congress Musical Orchestra
- KCBD: Rock Hill Music Festival
- Winthrop Eagles: Discover Rock Hill’s Best Entertainment
- Evening Sun: Rock on the Hill Music Festival
- WCCB Charlotte: Downtown Jazz Jam
- Wikipedia: Music in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
