Dennis Wade

Dennis Wade was born the ninth of nine children of the late John Lee and Lue Mae (Jackson) Wade on October 18, 1950.  He transitioned from earth to eternity on Thursday, June 27, 2019. 

While one of many, there was no disputing the fact that Dennis was the “Apple of his Mother’s Eye”!  Dennis fell in love with God, confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in New Albany (Union County) Mississippi (under the leadership of Rev. W. C. Keys) at an early age.  Dennis loved the church and served as the church musician for many years. 

Dennis graduated, as the class salutatorian, from B. F. Ford elementary and High Schools.  He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in Oxford, Mississippi.  It was while at Ole Miss that Dennis met a group of distinguished men who have remained life-long friends.  After graduating from Ole Miss, Dennis served in the U. S. Marine Corps.  After receiving an honorable discharge from the Marines, he relocated to Detroit, Michigan where he was employed by Chrysler Motor Company.  After moving from Detroit back to Mississippi, Dennis worked for the Mississippi Department of Transportation and as a New Albany taxi driver before becoming an independent entrepreneur as owner of Wade Lawn Services.

Dennis was a self-taught guitarist, keyboardist and pianist who loved his music --- playing it, singing it and listening to it.   He played with numerous rhythm and blues artists and bands before making a decision to use his God-given gifts exclusively for the praise and glory of God as lead musician for Oak Grove M.B.C.

Dennis loved to laugh and tell stories (especially about the family) … not sparing himself from being the subject of some of his funniest stories.  He had an amazing memory and could remember some of the most minute details of events and history.  Dennis loved people and loved to talk.  He never met a stranger and could engage people for hours even if he didn’t even know their names.  Dennis was known for helping others ... no matter who, when, where or what was needed.  He said he believed that that was part of the reason God placed him here on earth and in the place where he was...  Because there were so many people who needed help.

Dennis was preceded to eternity by parents, John Lee and Lue Mae Wade, sisters Ruby Keys and Emmer Wells, two brothers- in- law, George Keys and Cottrell Howell and three beloved nieces Lisa Howell, Keenah Keys and Jacqueline Howell Robinson and a dear friend, Sharon Ellis.

Dennis is survived by: Emma Howard Wade, loving spouse (New Albany, MS); a daughter, Quanda (Ronald) Walker, (Vacaville, CA); two grandsons, Ronald Walker, Jr and Immanuel Walker (Vacaville, CA); one brother, J. Q. (Lowonda) Wade, New Albany; four sisters:  Dorothy Wade, Shirley Howell, Bettie Wade, Annie Simmons, (all of New Albany, MS); Grace (James) Suber, (Calabash, NC); Brother-in-law, Alfred Wells, (Woodville, MS); eight nieces and nephews:  Denisie (Willie) McKenzie, New Albany; Carol Wells (Jerry) Biddle, Memphis, TN; Chris (Tenisha) Wells, Ft. Bening, GA; Tiffany (Chris) Lofton, Southfield, MI; Johnata Wade, Columbus, MS; Kimberly Simmons Keys, New Albany, MS; Jennifer Simmons, Oxford, MS; Justin (Aimee) Hollis, Wilmington, NC and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and other relatives and friends

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