Mr. Bernard Hewitt Wade, Sr.

The life and legacy of Mr. Wade will be celebrated Saturday, September 28, 2024, 10:00 a. m. with a public visitation (the only viewing period) one hour before the start of the religious service at the United Missionary Baptist Church in Natchez, LA 71456 where the Rev. Ocie Charles, Jr. is Pastor.  Burial will follow immediately at the St. Mary Baptist Church Cemetery in the Little River community.

Keep this family lifted in prayer.

In the quiet echoes of our hearts, where grief and love intertwine, we come together today to remember an extraordinary man that graced our lives with his presence, Mr. Bernard Hewitt Wade Sr. left this world peacefully on September 21, 2024. Born on May 9, 1936, in Cloutierville, Louisiana, Bernard was the cherished son of Alvy Louis Wade & Bessie Lee Wade, both of whom preceded him in death.

A proud graduate of St. Matthew High School, Bernard dedicated his life to serving his community and his faith. As a devoted deacon of the United Missionary Baptist Church, he shared his love of learning as a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent. His passion for gardening propelled him into becoming a master gardener. Bernard exuded extreme joy cultivating his garden, as well as, his relationships within the community.

Bernard was preceded in death by his beloved wife Irene Wade, with whom he shared 36 years of marriage, and his siblings: Alfra Wade, Myrtle Wade Pennie, Mahlon Wade, Eddie Wade, Gary Whatley (Brother-in-law) and Cecil Whatley (sister-in-law).

Bernard honorably served two years in the U.S. Army before embarking on a successful career at Pilgrim Pride, where he worked for over three decades. He was a beloved figure known for his kindness and unwavering support to those around him. Bernard also continued to passionately operate his family’s longstanding headstone business, A.L. Wade & Sons Monuments.

He leaves behind two sisters, Yvonne Wade of Natchitoches, Louisiana and Annette James of Hitchcock, Texas, and five children; Ronnie Wade of Los Angeles, California; Wayne (Johnetta) Wade of Natchitoches, Louisiana; Bernard (Clarisa) Wade Jr. of Fort Worth, Texas; Gregory (Tamela) Wade of DeSoto, Texas; and Marcus (Alicia) Wade currently serving the U.S. Navy in Chula Vista, California. Siblings-in-Law: Shirley Watson of Auburn, AL; Mary Johnson of Pascagoula, MS; Cheryl Peay and Willie Whatley of Opelika, AL. Also, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his love, generosity, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him. In the tears we shed, may we find solace in the beauty of a life well-lived – a life that touched ours in profound and immeasurable ways.