Born August 11, 1995
Died July 19, 2026
Funeral service for William Kane Etheredge will be Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Westmeade Baptist Church with Bro. Justin McAlpin and Rev. Fred Ashford officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be at Johnson Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the church.
Survived by his parents: Mike and Leslie Etheredge
Grandparents: Paul and Charlcie Montgomery
Aunts and Uncles: Heather and Ben Proctor
Jeff and Carol Etheredge and Todd Etheredge
Cousins:
Daniel Walker, Courtney Etheredge, Mitchell Etheredge (Kaylee), Sarah Roe Etheredge, Mac Etheredge, Malachi Proctor, Levi Proctor and Loryn Proctor
And the many loving members of his extended family of Great Aunts, Great Uncles and cousins.
Kane was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Ned and Sarah Etheredge.
Kane (Slade) was born in Decatur under difficult medical circumstances and in the first couple of years of life it wasn’t known for how long, or even if, he would survive, and if he did, what that would look like for him. Mom and Dad were told to raise him as they would any other child and Kane himself would reveal what he would be capable of. The first few years were a journey of surgeries, medical emergencies and a steep learning curve for his parents, but Kane not only survived he made the world his own.
His unique perspective on life and his love for almost everyone he met have filled
almost 31 years with great laughter, strong hugs and deep love.
Kane spent his first few school years at Danville-Neel Elementary school, followed by a few years of Homeschool. His parents then enrolled him at Hartselle High School for his last four years and these were some of the happiest of his life. During his school years his teachers, therapists and aides poured into him and we are so grateful for how much they taught Kane through their various skills and gifts. While he tolerated the school work, he absolutely adored his classmates, Peer Tutors and Tiger Buddies. His crowning achievement was being elected Homecoming King in his Senior Year. Thirteen years after he finished school he was still talking about these High School years and the friends he made during that time.
Kane attended church his whole life and came to know Jesus as his Savior and Lord at an early age. Neel Methodist, First Baptist of Hartselle and Westmeade Baptist have played a very important role in his life and we are thankful for all the love that was shown him in his spiritual journey. That journey reached it’s final destination when Kane was greeted by his Lord just a few days ago.
As an adult Kane worked a few years at Diamond Pro in Hartselle where he was encouraged to change his name to a DC comic character by the name of Slade Wilson. He also -found his best buddy there, Glenn Johnson, who loved and stayed in touch with him for the rest of his life. Glen was never too busy to take calls and lend a helpful ear to Kane’s plans, heartaches and joy. Kane was also blessed to spend two days a week with his caretakers and friends, Cecil Washington and Fred Ashford.
Through the Community Experience Program of the CDD they took him out to his favorite places including the Parkway Mall and Chick-fi-la. At the mall Kane browsed weekly for all he would need for his future wedding he had planned, even choosing his bride’s dress, shoes and jewelry. He was undeterred by the suggestion his future wife might have an opinion of her own.
Kane was also blessed with doting grandparents and got to spend every Friday with his hero who was also his Grandy. (Paul) They would go out for lunch and then sit down and watch Foxnews together where Kane formed some of his very strong political opinions. In addition to planning his future wedding, Kane had great plans for this country when he finally became it’s greatest leader!
Kane has had a life filled with love and laughter. He loved and cared deeply for his parents, his Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends and we all loved him in equal measure. We will miss him more than mere words could ever express and
will be counting the days until we see him again.
Pallbearers:
Jeff Etheredge, Todd Etheredge, Mitchell Etheredge, Mac Etheredge.
Daniel Walker, and Glenn Johnson
Honorary Pallbearers are Kane’s classmates and friends:
David Barrios, James Horner, Larry Byrd, Matthew Phillips, and Ross Phillips
In Kane’s memory and honor contributions can be sent to help Community Experience activities at:
The Center for the Developmentally Disabled (CDD) of NCA
P.O. Box 2091
1602 Church Street SE
Decatur, AL 35602
