James Obed Wade

Mr. James Obed Wade, 97 transitioned on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at Haymount Rehab and Nursing Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Deacon Emeritus James Obed Wade was born to Mr. Porter and Elizabeth Kelly Wade on May 19, 1923.

Deacon Wade attended Upchurch High School in Raeford North Carolina.  He was drafted into the Navy in 1941 and served three years in Japan during World War II.

He attended Center Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Red Springs, North Carolina most of his life with his family.  He sang with different groups before joining the Senior Choir.  He was one of the original All Male Choir members.

He met and married Mrs. Sarah Osaka Black Wade in March 1954.  They did not have children of their own but raised their niece, Gwendolyn, from age three, as their daughter.  Sarah Wade passed January 2009.

Deacon Wade was respected and loved by so many people.  He would help others whenever he could.  He visited families in the church community after services and would take them home grown vegetables.

Deacon Wade joined the Masonic Lodge and attended meetings until his health failed him.

Deacon Wade worked for Civil Engineers on Fort Bragg, NC and retired after 35 years of dedicated service.  Deacon Wade was very active cutting lawns for businesses and individuals until he had a stroke at 90 years old.

Deacon Wade leaves to cherish his memories:  Daughters: Mrs. Gwendolyn Black Carswell (Earnest), Fayetteville, NC and Mrs. Linda Leak Vincent (Clarence), Elon, NC; a God Daughter (who was like a daughter), Mrs. Sheila Brown (Barry), Raeford, NC; Grandchildren:  Earnest Carswell, Jr., Tony Leak, Tina Leak, Jeremy and Darius; great grandchildren (Breonna, Karma, Brandon, Kymoni); a brother, Jerome Wade, Bronx, New York; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of relatives.  He “adopted” so many individuals – The Haynes Sisters & Brother (Lorene, Luvie, Delores, Arnell and Thomas) – The Stubbs Sisters (Ora Lee Owens, Clara Mae, Thelma Fuller and Diane Stubbs), The Black Sisters (Deaconess Edna Cooper (Deacon Willie James), Margaret Ann McBryde, Gloria Jean Black & Carolyn McBryde).

Family Visitation will be held at Center Grove Church from 2 PM to 3 PM with Graveside services beginning at 3:00 pm. 

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