Richard Wade Jr

In profound sorrow we announce the passing of Mr. Richard Jerome Wade, Jr. Celebration of Life will be Thursday, March 6, 2025, 11:00 am at Central United Methodist Church 501 Mitchell Street SW Atlanta, GA 30314. Interment will be March 10, 2025, Union Cemetery Actuation 3349 Olentangy River Rd Columbus, Ohio. Viewing will be Thursday, March 06, 2025, 9:00am at the church until the hour of service. Grissom-Clark Funeral Home.

Richard Jerome Wade Jr., a native of Columbus, Ohio, and a long-time resident of Atlanta, Georgia, was born on November 15, 1947. He was the second of six children born to Richard Jerome Wade Sr. and Frances Jones Wade. From this union, six children were born: Diana, Richard Jr., George, Frank (deceased), Joseph, and Regina.

His early education was in the Franklin County Public School System, where he received his high school diploma from East High School in 1966. His college education was at Central State University, where he received his Bachelor's Degree. Richard's military service was in the army as a 1st lieutenant during the Vietnam War.

He later moved to Atlanta, attended Atlanta University, now Clark Atlanta University. He received his MBA in Accounting in 1974, and became employed as an auditor at the United States General Accounting Office.

While in Atlanta, he met, dated, and later married Bernadette Shepard. From this union, Richard Jerome Wade III was born. They decided to search for a home church. After visiting a few other churches, Mrs. Francine Henderson recommended they visit her church, Central United Methodist Church. At that time, Reverend Joseph E. Lawry was the pastor. Richard became an active and long-time member. He faithfully served on many committees, including One Church, One Child, Finance, Church Council, Men's Bible Class, Kitchen Staff (ie. Sunday breakfast and the Saturday Youth Enrichment Program Lunch) and served on the Parking Ministry. In 1997, Richard and Trae travelled to the Dominican Republic with a group of volunteers to work in the Orphanage Outreach Program. It was a very rewarding experience for both.

Richard transitioned from this life at his home in East Point, GA, on Sunday, February 23, 2025. He is survived by his children, Richard Jerome Wade III (Arlendre'); Carmille Simpson; Ahmad J. Burse Sr. (Kamarie), four grandchildren: Richard Jerome Wade IV; Jubril Abdulazeez; Corrial Marquise Simpson; Jamal K. Burse; Ahmad J. Burse Jr; Nadiyah Y. Burse; five great-grandchildren, and three devoted godchildren: Myron Jerome Kiel; Brittany Lawrence Gibson and Raven Hines.