Coats, NC: Mr. James “Fred” Wade, age 78, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Funeral Services will be 2:00PM Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at South Erwin Baptist Church in Erwin, NC. Officiating will be Rev. Drew Parker. Burial will follow in Lakeside Memorial Park in Angier.

Fred was born on December 17, 1946 in Harnett County. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Stone Denton and husband, Joseph; his father, James Oliver Wade and wife, Fannie; his first wife, Patricia Nordan Wade; and a great-grandson, River Gillum. Fred was a US Army Veteran serving during the Vietnam Conflict as part of the 864th Engineer Battalion from 1969 – 1970. He was the owner and operator of Classic Wood Works for over 30 years, where he built custom cabinets. After retirement he enjoyed wood crafting and repairing musical instruments. Fred was a member of South Erwin Baptist Church where he played guitar as a member of the worship team. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to his family, friends, and neighbors, especially if he could use his tractor. Fred was an avid drag racer for many years and was well known for his dry humor. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jeneal Parrish Wade; daughters, Karen Wade Bryant and husband, Timothy, Kristen Wade Potter and husband, Robert; step-son, Jamie Denton; step-daughter, Korinthia Vaughn; and Kimberly Elsasser; grandchildren, Jessica Jones, Amanda Wiggins and husband, Kyle, Ethan Gillum and wife, Carlee, Addison Gillum, Mason Potter, Jackson Lee, Kassidy Potter, Daisy Potter, and Lincoln Potter; great-grandchildren, Kaleb Jones, Sophia Jones, Hailey Jones, Harper Wiggins; Lillee Gillum, Alex Gillum, Phillip Gillum; adopted grandchildren, Marissa Cash, Matthew Cash, Abbie Flowers, and Skylar Edmondson; sisters and brother, Mary Jo Faulkner and husband, Jerry, David Wade and wife, Tempie, and Judy; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends 6:00PM to 8:00PM on Monday, December 15, 2025 at the Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Coats and other times at the home.

In lieu of flowers; memorials made be made to His Daily Bread Soup Kitchen of Coats, 588 West Tart Road, Dunn, NC 28334.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Coats, NC