Donald Lee Wade of Sardis passed away on January 19, 2025, three days before his 87th birthday. He was born January 22, 1938 in Milledgeville to the late Cletus and Vernice (Edgin) Wade. He was older brother to Linda Austin, who preceded him in death, and Ted Wade (Betty), who survives. He graduated from Sardis High School in 1956 and married his high school sweetheart and love of his life for 67 years, the former Gail Wylie, in 1957. He was a member of Center Point Holiness Church. Donald and Gail moved to Memphis shortly after marrying, where Donald worked nights in the payroll department of Hull Dobbs and would often see Elvis Presley driving past on his motorcycle. The Wades returned to Sardis in 1958, and Donald began his career at Garan in Adamsville. He enlisted in the US Army in 1959, where he served at Fort Hood, Texas, and Lawrence, Indiana. After a medical discharge in 1960, he returned to Garan, where he stayed until 1987. He continued his career at Jackson Madison County Health Department and retired from West Tennessee Rabies Control in 2005. Outside of work, he enjoyed working with antique cars and maintained a collection of antique John Deere tractors. He also loved attending and watching NASCAR races, tracking down and collecting unique clocks, and talking with friends on CB radio, where he was known as Shadow. He also made great memories and friends at his lot on the Tennessee River, a source of pride and enjoyment for many years. Donald’s greatest joys were his wife, Gail, daughter, Beverly Ivy, son-in-law, Jimmy, and grandsons Kade and Kamden, who all survive him. He loved supporting them in whatever passions they pursued and was enormously proud of their successes. As their husband, dad, father-in-law, and Popa, he was a constant source of love and advice. His family loved him dearly, and they will miss him terribly. They are very thankful for the many years they were able to spend with him.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1 PM, Thursday, January 23, 2025 in the chapel of Pafford Funeral Home in Scotts Hill. Interment will follow in Sardis Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, 3 – 8 PM and on Thursday, 10 AM – 1 PM at Pafford Funeral Home in Scotts Hill.
