Jerry L. Sloan, an award-winning automobile industry executive before becoming a decorated public relations professor, died Dec. 10, 2020, at age 84. He was the father of CATA President David Sloan.

Mr. Sloan held a variety of public relations managerial positions at Ford from 1960 to 1982. He became American Motors Corporation’s vice president of public relations from 1983 to 1987 before returning to Ford, culminating as executive director of civic and corporate affairs.

He retired from Ford in 1992 to join the faculty at his alma mater, Ohio University, where he won a number of teaching awards before retiring in 2001. The Detroit Public Relations Society of America Hall of Fame inducted Mr. Sloan in 1998.

In addition to David Sloan, survivors include Jeanne, his wife of 62 years; sons Timothy and Jeffrey; a daughter, Betsy; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Donations appreciated to Centre Presbyterian Church in Mooresville, North Carolina, or to The Ohio University Foundation, designating the Jerry L. Sloan Visiting Professionals in Public Relations Award.