Obituary of Edward Charles Wade

LEXINGTON—Dr. Edward Charles Wade, son of the late Ross Lee Wade and Bessie Ruth Phillips Wade, died Monday, November 4, 2013. He was 81 years old. He was born in Taylors, SC on July 12, 1932. He served in the US Army as an infantryman. He received degrees from North Greenville College, the University of South Carolina, and his doctorate in Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. For over 25 years, he taught graduate levels of Early Childhood Education at the University of South Carolina. He served as a youth minister, music director and director of education for numerous churches in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and South Carolina. He enjoyed singing and traveling with the Singing Churchmen of S.C. On Saturdays he could be found gardening or sitting at University of S.C. sporting events as he was an avid Gamecock fan. Dr. Wade was preceded in death by his faithful wife of 52 years, Elaine Foster Wade. Also, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia Elaine Wade, a brother, Harold Eugene Wade, and a sister, Betty Wade Stephens. He is survived by three sons, Dr. Charles Wade and his wife, Carolyn of Rock Hill, Mr. Mark Wade and his wife, Julie of Florence, and Mr. Todd Wade of Lexington, one sister, Margaret Ramsey, one brother, Rick Wade; six grandchildren, Aynsley, Drayton, Adam and his wife, Nikki, Andrew and his wife, Katlin, Kinsley and Conner Wade and two great-grandchildren, Loralei and Charlee Grace Wade. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2013 at Lexington Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Todd Carnes, Rev. Dan Williams and Rev. Stuart Thompson. The family will receive friends following the funeral service at the church. Serving as pallbearers will be Adam Wade, Conner Wade, David Ramsey, Skip Stephens, Scott Stephens, and Owen Watts. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. in Woodlawn Memorial Park, Greenville, SC on Thursday, November 7, 2013. Officiating will be Rev. Dan Williams. Memorials may be made to Lexington Baptist Church, Music Ministry, 308 E. Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072. Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington will be handling the arrangements. Family and friends may sign the on-line guest book at: www.thompsonsfuneral.com