George Frederick Fergus WADE

News Death Notice

WADE, George Frederick Fergus (92) passed away March 11, 2013. Born January 20, 2021 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the second son of Joseph and Jeanie Cameron Wade. In 1924, George (known to his family as "Fergie"), his mother and his older brother Joe came to the United States to join his father in Detroit. He studied drafting in high school and worked as a draftsman after graduating from high school. After joining the Army, he served in Italy during World War II. He wrote many letters to his sweetheart, Shirley Doherty and they were married in 1947 in the Martha Mary Chapel at the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit, Michigan. Returning from the war, he went to work for General Motors in Detroit. In 1952, he was transferred to Fisher Body in Hamilton to set up the drafting room and worked at the plant until his retirement as Master Mechanic in 1986. George was a member of the First Baptist Church for 61 years. He loved the Lord and showed his love thru service to the church. He was actively involved in the church's move from downtown and the building of the new sanctuary and activities building. George was on the Board of Trustees for 50 years and, after his retirement, was a charter member of the "Rat Pack", a group of men who would take care of everything from painting the church to putting up the Christmas tree. George was blessed and privileged to have the love and support of his family as well as his church family. Coming from a family of cabinetmakers and master carpenters, his father and, grandfather worked on the interior of the Titanic. George enjoyed woodworking and, in later years, wood turning. As much as he enjoyed the finished product, he derived the greatest pleasure in the planning and design of each project. Over the years, he and Shirley enjoyed many cruises and trips. He took great pride in his work, his Irish heritage and his military service, but his greatest pride was in his family. George is survived by Shirley, his beloved wife of 64 years, his three children Deb (John) Hassenzahl, Kevin (Andrea) Wade and Jan (Clark) Griffin and three grandchildren, Kevin Wade, Jr., Jenna Griffin and Sarah Griffin. He is also survived by his brother, Rev. Joe (Mary) Wade and a number of cherished nieces and nephews. Services will be held Friday, March 15 at First Baptist Church.. Visitation will be at 10:30 AM with the funeral following at 12:00. Memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church or Hospice of Hamilton.