Anthony “Wade” Free of Madison, Alabama, passed away on June 3, 2022. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather (Paw), and dear friend to many.
Wade met his beautiful bride, Debbie, on a church camp bus ride to Mobile, Alabama, in 1971. They have been inseparable for 50 years. On May 26, 2022, Wade and Debbie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. In those 50 years, they welcomed a beautiful daughter, Wendy Free Owens, two handsome grandsons, Cody Steele and Adam Steele and several nieces and nephews. Wade retired from Wolverine Tube in Decatur, Alabama. Wade often referred to himself as a “Jack of all Trades and Master of None”. He was well known for his quiet, but fun personality. If asked how he was feeling, he would often respond, “with my fingers”. If asked how he was doing, he would say, “doing tolerable”. Wade’s nickname was Teddy Bear. He was such a gentle giant. Wendy has always been a Daddy’s Girl and his grandsons have viewed Paw as a blessing and a man strong enough to know how to be gentle. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. Wade was truly an old car enthusiast. He was quick to point out the make and model of sharp cars passing down the highway and always eager to patron any local cars shows.
Wade was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Louise Free. Wade is survived by his wife, Deborah “Debbie” Crauswell Free; daughter, Wendy Free Owens; grandson, Cody Steele; and grandson, Adam Steele. Wade is survived by his sister, Trudy Reinholtz, niece Amanda Woodson (Sam), Shelby Tate (Chris), Cade Tate, Kallie Tate, Paige Miller, Faith Curtis, Lily Curtis, Levi Curtis,and nephew John Lanier, Logan Lanier, Caren Lanier, and nephew Tony Reinholtz (Leah) and Louise Reinholtz; sister-in-law, Becky Chandler (Allen), niece Elizabeth Taylor (Rick), Olivia Taylor, nephew Michael Bradford (Rachael), and Elijah Bradford.
Pallbearers will be Cody Steele, Adam Steele, Rick Taylor, John Lanier, Tony Reinholtz, Michael Bradford, and honorary pallbearers are Sam Woodson and Logan Lanier.
Legacy Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory will host services on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Visitation will be Saturday, from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 PM, with Reverend John Mickey Lott officiating. The burial will follow at Hartselle Memory Gardens, 40 Lando Cain Road, Hartselle, Alabama 35640 (Exit 328 – Interstate 65).
