Don Norris Wade

Don Norris Wade was born on October 16, 1936, in Linden, Tennessee, to the late Tom and Lorene Trull Wade. A proud graduate of Perry County High School, Don was a gifted athlete and a member of Linden’s storied basketball program. He was especially proud to have been a member of the 1955 Tennessee State Championship basketball team and to have been part of the program during its remarkable championship years of the mid-1950s.

Following high school, Don began what would become a long and successful career as a traveling salesman, a profession he devoted more than 50 years of his life to. His work carried him countless miles and introduced him to people from all walks of life. Don never met any strangers. With his warm personality, natural ability to connect with people, and playful sense of humor, customers often became friends. Don was quite the jokester during his years on the road, always ready with a good-natured prank, a funny story, or a quick-witted remark that brought laughter to those around him. Many of the friendships he made through his work lasted throughout his lifetime.

Beyond his career, one of Don’s greatest passions was rodeo. He was an accomplished cowboy and team roper who was deeply involved in the rodeo community for many years. Rodeo was more than a pastime for Don—it was a way of life and brought him friendships and memories he treasured dearly. He also gave back to the sport he loved through his support of Tennessee High School Rodeo and by sharing his Christian faith through the Cowboys for Christ ministry at rodeos throughout Tennessee and Alabama. Even after his rodeo years, Don continued to enjoy the cowboy life, watching The Cowboy Channel daily and keeping up with the sport and community he loved so much. He also enjoyed playing golf weekly with some of his longtime friends, creating new memories and continuing the friendships that meant so much to him.

At the center of Don’s life was his family. He shared 60 years of marriage with his beloved late wife, Sara “Sadie” Wade. Together, Don and Sadie built a beautiful life rooted in love, family, faith, friendship, and countless treasured memories.

Don was the proud father of two sons, Berry Don Wade and Jeffrey Don Wade, and the loving grandfather of his granddaughter and pride and joy, Katy Lynn Wade.

He was also a beloved brother to Judy (Roy) Kilpatrick and the late Sue Ann French. Don held a very special place in the lives of his nieces, Kelly (Ricky) Duff, Karen (Robert) Ledbetter, and Shonda French, as well as his Three great-nieces and one great-nephew. In later years, his family continued to grow with the blessing of great-great-nieces and nephews, bringing even more joy to his life.

In the later years of Don’s life, his niece, Kelly (Ricky) Duff, played a special role in caring for him. For the past five years, Kelly devoted so much of her time, love, and energy to overseeing his health and well-being and making sure he was cared for. Her unwavering dedication and love for her uncle were a true testament to the special bond they shared and will always be deeply appreciated by the family.

His was a life filled with family, faith, hard work, friendship, and a little cowboy spirit. The miles he traveled were many, the friendships he made were countless, and the memories he leaves behind will be treasured forever.

The family would like to extend their deepest and most heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful staff at The Reserve in Spring Hill, Tennessee, for the love, kindness, friendship, and exceptional care they provided Don during the last three years of his life. The Reserve became much more than a place for Don to live—it became home, and those who cared for “Cowboy” became very special to him and his family.

The family would also like to express their sincere gratitude to Don’s private caregivers, especially Brenda Golf and Melcenia Brady, who provided loving and dedicated care over the years and were especially important in supporting Don during the last three years of his life. Their kindness, compassion, and commitment brought comfort to Don and peace of mind to his family.

The family would also like to express their sincere gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for the compassionate care, comfort, and support they provided during Don’s final months. Your kindness to Don and to our entire family will never be forgotten.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who cared for Don, loved him, prayed for him, visited him, and helped make his life so special.

Don leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of love that will continue through all those who were blessed to know him. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of his family and friends.

Visitation with the Family will begin at 11:00am on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 until the time of the Memorial Service at 1:00pm all at Spring Hill Memorial Funeral Home. Jim Taylor will be officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Setra/Bournes Arena, 1068 Pickle Road Culleoka, TN 38451.

Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Memorial Funeral Home, Spring Hill, Tennessee.