Wade R. Lipscomb, Jr., 75, died peacefully at Huntsville Hospital, July 31, 2018, after an 18-month battle with cancer. Lipscomb is survived by his partner of 49 years, Nancy Worley of New Hope and Montgomery; a brother, James Simpson (Linda) of Macon, MS; one niece, Lindley Simpson Peterson (Brad) of Starkville, MS; a nephew, Reid Simpson (Amy) of Macon, MS, and six great nieces and nephews. Wade was predeceased by his parents, Wade R. Lipscomb, Sr., who was killed in WWII, and Lillie Higginbotham (Lipscomb) Simpson, and stepfather, J.C. Simpson.
After graduation from Macon (MS) High School, where he played all sports, Wade went to Mississippi State University, and later was graduated with a B.S. Degree in math and secondary education from Livingston State University, now UWA. He was President of Delta Chi Fraternity and active in all facets of campus life.
Following graduation, Lipscomb began his teaching and coaching career at New Hope High School (Madison County). He obtained a graduate assistantship at Jacksonville State University where he received his M.S. Degree, was Assistant Basketball Coach, and taught golf and other physical education classes.
Lipscomb next spent over two decades teaching math, coaching basketball, and serving as Athletic Director at Huntsville High School. At HHS, he was instrumental in getting the first AHSAA Girls State Volleyball Championship Tournament, as well as the AHSAA Girls State Basketball Championship Tournament in Huntsville. He would later help secure the first AHSAA Girls’ and Boys’ State Soccer Tournaments. In 1983, he started the prestigious Huntsville Times Classic (AL.com), now Huntsville City Classic Basketball Tournament, of which he was the Director for 33 years.
Wade then moved to the Central Office as Athletic Director and Director of Student Support Services for Huntsville City Schools. In that role, he oversaw the expansion of several athletic programs in the school system, as well as the renovations to Milton Frank Stadium. He worked with the Sports Commission and other civic organizations.
In 2001, Lipscomb was honored as Alabama’s Athletic Director of the Year and was recognized at the National Convention at World Golf Village. He was inducted into the AHSAA Hall of Fame in 2003, and the Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.
Wade served on the AHSAA District 8 Board of Directors, and later was elected to the AHSAA Central Board of Control. He enjoyed golf, hunting and traveling in his spare time.
Lipscomb served on the Board of the Huntsville Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame. He organized several induction ceremonies and other special events.
Wade was recently elected to his second term on the State Democratic Executive Committee. He attended three National Democratic Conventions and worked actively in several Democratic campaigns.
Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.
Wade Lipscomb always tried to help others before he looked out for himself. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Huntsville Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 566, Huntsville, AL 35804, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.
