James “David” Wade, age 65, of Rydal GA passed away on March 20th, 2019 in his home in the company of family. He was born August 9th, 1953 in Brandon MS to Bonnie Imogene Wade and James Edward Wade. He was proceeded in death by both parents, and brothers Dallas Wade and Donnie Wade.

David was an accomplished entrepreneur and scholar. He started his adult life at 18 when he enlisted in the Navy and proudly served our country in Vietnam and earned his GED. After marring Sandra he became a jack of all trades starting as a security guard and culminating in his first career as a directional driller in the oil field. In 1983 he moved his family to Atlanta Ga to pursue education and licensure in mortuary sciences. While working as a mortician David discovered his true passion for learning. His nimble mind, quick wit, and work ethic soon presented him with the opportunities to earn two bachelors, a masters and two PHD degrees. He was a life long learner who used his skills and knowledge to open the first Tissue Bank in the state of Ga and then own and operate Lost Mountain Tissue Bank for over 13 years. In the years after LMTB, David leveraged his own personal struggles with substance abuse and his journey to sobriety to help others find sobriety through ministry and Christian counseling. He instilled a strong sense of helping in his daughters by modeling volunteerism and philanthropy with organizations such as the Mississippi volunteer fire department, MUST ministries, international water well drilling, and biblical archeological digs. His most lasting impressions were on the individuals he helped by listening, mentoring, and at times even giving them a home. He believed that the greatest impact anyone can have is on the people around them, and he always made each person feel remarkable, valued and loved. He loved riding horses, hunting, traveling, and painting but only in the company of good friends or his beloved family. He shared cultural experiences through food, art, and travel with anyone that was willing to join in but especially his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He made the world feel safe, interesting, hospitable, and completely accessible. He taught all of us that we could accomplish anything we set our minds towards and he believed in us even when we doubted ourselves. He was larger than life and his absence will be deeply felt by many.

He is survived by his wife Sandra K. Wade; daughters Kendra Honea and Leslie Morgan; son- in-laws Brian Honea and Jeremy Morgan; grand children Katelyn Honea, Joshua Honea, and Wyatt Morgan; brother Dean Wade; and three nieces and five nephews.

A memorial service to honor his life will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on March 30th at 2pm. Visitation with the family will precede the service starting at 1pm.

Trinity United Methodist Church 814 West Ave.

Cartersville, GA 30120