Rev. Benny Houston Wade

Rev. Benny Houston Wade went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 14, 2014 at Carolinas Medical Center after a long battle with cancer. He was born on September 14, 1951 in Gadsden, AL to Rev. Jesse, Jr. and Undean Blevins Wade. He was a 1969 graduate of Etowah High School in Attalla, AL. He earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education degree from Auburn University. At Auburn, he was a member of the Auburn University Band and served as student director of the Auburn University Singers. War Eagle! Following graduation in 1976, he worked 5 years as the Director of Choral Activities for Auburn City Schools in Auburn, AL. Under his direction, his choirs won numerous competitions and awards. At the same time, he spent his extra time leading worship at Fairview Baptist Church in Gadsden, AL and Pepperell Baptist Church in Opelika, AL. In 1981, Benny answered the call to full time ministry. He accepted a position as Minister of Music and Youth at Bethel Baptist Church in Sumter, SC. After 8 years at Bethel, he and his family moved to Fort Mill, SC where he spent over 25 years as the Minister of Music and Youth. Over time, he focused primarily on Music and later took on leadership of the Senior Adult Ministry. His vibrant love for people led him to participate in many community activities. He was a member of the School Improvement Council and Band Boosters Board at Fort Mill High School. As a charter member of the Christian Ministries Scholarship Fund at North Greenville University, he helped establish a scholarship fund to aid students aiming to go into full time Christian ministry. He loved being named an Honorary Cannoneer for the 1990 Fort Mill 4th of July Celebration. In 2011, he was honored as the Grand Marshall of the Fort Mill Christmas Parade. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Rev. Jesse, Sr. and Myrtle Wade; his maternal grandparents, Loyce and Lelah Blevins; parents, Rev. Jesse, Jr. and Undean Wade; and nephews Eddy Lee Wade, Jr. and Charlie Gladden. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Debbie; 2 sons, Jake (Jen) and Josh (Lindsey); 4 grandchildren, Bailey, Maverick, Jenna Beth and Harper; 1 grand dog, Rudy; brother, Eddy (Melody); sisters, Reba and Rosalyn; and several nephews. Visitation with the family will take place Wednesday, December 17th at 6:30pm at First Baptist Church Fort Mill. A Celebration of Life service will take place Thursday, December 18th at 6:30pm at First Baptist Church Fort Mill. In lieu of flowers, the family would like for donations to be made to the Christian Ministries Scholarship Fund at North Greenville University. Donations to the CMSF can be made at www.ngu.edu/cmsf.php. Financially supporting Grace Fellowship, a church plant in Vail, AZ, would also be appreciated. Donations to Grace Fellowship can be sent to 13300 E. Colossal Cave Rd, Vail, AZ 85641. The family of Rev. Wade is being served by Palmetto Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Mill, SC. On-line condolences to the family may be made at www.palmettofh.com

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