George Phelps Wade

GEORGE PHELPS WADE was surrounded by his precious wife and children when he went to be with his Heavenly Father on December 27, 2018. He is the beloved son of Elizabeth Rowell and Marion Phelps Wade. Born August 15, 1941 and raised in Macon, Georgia, Phelps graduated from Lanier High School and afterwards attended the Georgia Institute of Technology where he studied Mechanical Engineering and pledged Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Phelps returned to Macon and married his high school love, Joyce Waits, whom he has cherished for over 55 years. Phelps joined his father in the family owned and operated business, Wade & Sons, Inc. The business was started in 1902 by his grandfather, Phelps Wade, and later run by his father who handed the business over to Phelps.

Phelps’ greatest love was his family: his wife and four children. His greatest delight was spending time with all of his family at the beach and during the holidays. He was a loving, dedicated and faithful husband and father. Phelps enjoyed attending and helping with all of his children’s activities including their sports, hunting, fishing, scouting and more. He cherished his many childhood friends and college companions. He was a friend to all who met him. He was an avid runner, finishing the New York Marathon in 1980. He gave back to his community by being a part of numerous civic organizations and serving on many boards. He was an active member of Riverside United Methodist Church, where he was a part of the Woodruff Sunday School Class and served on many committees. Phelps also served on the board of First Presbyterian Day School, American Federal Savings & Loan, The Georgia Industrial Children’s Home and Wesleyan College.

Phelps was preceded in death by his son and hero, George Phelps Wade, Jr; his parents; his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Wade Howard; and son-in-law, Spencer Frederick Sines. He is survived by his adored wife, Joyce Waits Wade and their three daughters McClellan Wade Williams(Pat), of Montgomery, Alabama; Sallie Wade Nowacek(George) of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Elizabeth “Lisa” Wade Howard(Chris) of Macon; and his 8 beloved grandchildren, Pat III, Phelps and Miller Williams; George and Lulu Nowacek; Ann Elizabeth, Wade and Wren Howard. He is also survived by his two sisters, Marion “Toot” Wade Mixon and Carolyn Wade Barry, and many loving nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.

Worship services will be held in the sanctuary of Riverside United Methodist Church in Macon at 2:00pm on Saturday, December 29, 2018, with time for visitation with his family immediately following the service in the Gathering Space of the church.

There will be visitation with his family immediately following the service in the Gathering Space of the church.