Don E. Wade

A devoted Husband, Father, and Grandfather, passed away at home on October, 6, 2018.

Born March 25, 1940, in Macon, GA to his parents Richard Elmer Wade and Doris Cobb Wade. He was the oldest of 7 children.

He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Doris Wade and brother, John Wade and Father and Mother in Law Dr. Barton and Ada McCrum.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ruth McCrum Wade, daughters Amanda Wade Thompson (Jon) and Catherine Wade Oliver (Thomas), granddaughters Bailey and Emily Thompson and Amelia and Evelyn Oliver, sisters Joyce May (Pat), Carolyn Osbon (Clint), Melba Gardner, Debra King (Gary), and brother Ricky Wade (Cindy), Brother-in-Law, Allen McCrum (Phyllis), and Sisters-in-Law, Margaret Hightower (Bill) and Catherine Lightsey (Gerald) and numerous nephews, nieces, and loving extended family which he held dear.

Athletic prowess was recognized early in Wade’s school life. He excelled and lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track at Harris County High School. Basketball was his expertise and afforded him a full scholarship to Young Harris College. While at Young Harris he earned All American status on The National Jr. Collegiate All Tournament Team. He also played baseball for Young Harris under Coach Zell Miller, who became a loyal and trusted friend over his lifetime. Don Harp, Wade’s roommate all four years of college, was also a special friend throughout his life.

Wade earned another basketball scholarship to Huntingdon College where he completed his degree in 1963. In 1961, Wade met Ruth McCrum at Huntingdon College and they married in 1964.

Recognition was afforded Wade when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at both Young Harris College and Huntingdon College, events of which he was most proud and appreciative.

Upon college graduation, Wade began his coaching and teaching career at South Hall High School, now Johnson High School, in Hall County, Georgia. After a successful tenure there he accepted a position as Athletic Director and Basketball Coach at Lakeview Academy in Gainesville, GA and later became Headmaster. After leaving the education field, Wade formed a successful tree service business that he operated the last 38 years. He considered his customers his friends. He was an incredibly generous and fair person who took pride in offering everyone an equal chance. Wade took great joy in giving $2 bills to children wherever he crossed their path. He was known as the $2 bill man around Gainesville.

After college and throughout his life he especially enjoyed community softball and basketball leagues, golfing, fishing, and hunting. His love for sports and the outdoors provided a lifetime of pleasure and friendships.

Wade adored his daughters and granddaughters and loved the many trips and gatherings with family at the beach or the Colorado mountains. This summer was full of family gatherings and memorable moments for Wade and family. During his recent illness he was truly overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of love and support from friends and former students near and far. The “Retired Old Men” table at Longstreet Cafe held special meaning for him as did the owner, Tim Bunch and Staff. The Anglers Sunday School class was also a meaningful part of his Sunday routine.

Special recognition goes to the caring staff of Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church: 800 S Enota Dr, Gainesville, GA 30501, Eagle Ranch: 5500 Union Church Rd, Flowery Branch, GA 30542, Young Harris College: PO Box 98, Young Harris, GA 30582, Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Inc: 2150 Limestone Pkwy, Suite 222, Gainesville, GA 30501, or a charity of your choice.

His celebration of life will be Monday, October 15, 2018 at 11:00AM at The First Presbyterian Church, 800 S. Enota Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. The Rev. Lee Koontz, Rev. Shon Peppers and The Rev. Doctor Don Harp officiating. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service in Sweetenberg Hall at the church.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at csog.com.

Cremation Society of Georgia