Duane Wade
Duane L. Wade, 68, passed away in the arms of his family on December 5, 2016.
A compassionate man of great faith, Duane was dedicated to serving all people. His grace touched the lives of so many who will carry on his spirit of giving.
He is survived by his daughter and biggest fan, Jill Courtney (Wade) Tyson and son-in-law, Christopher Tyson, of Washington, DC; partner, John "Wes" Fortner of Birmingham/Chattanooga; former wife Julie Wade of Tarpon Springs, Florida; sister-in-law, Deanna Wade and niece, Johnette (Wade) Kruse of Marengo, Iowa; and brother-in-law, Lauren, niece Emily, and nephew, Jackson Merriam of Ocala, Florida.
Duane was born in Kinross, Iowa, to Doris and Gerald Wade. Like his beloved mother, Duane was an exceptional musician and dancer, and had a gift for helping others. He served in the U.S. Army before combining his talents to earn a bachelor of arts degree in Music Therapy from Florida State University. He also held a master's degree in Counseling, Consulting, and Crisis Intervention, and a Master's Degree in Business Administration.
Duane was active in many diverse communities. He developed and co-founded organizations including Welcome Home of Chattanooga, Kids on the Block Junior Board Development, Outlook Chattanooga, and the Chattanooga Compassionate Care Program.
Duane fulfilled his passion for counseling through the Chattanooga Counseling and Mediation Center in Chattanooga, and Grace Ministries in Birmingham. He previously counseled clients at Golden Valley Health Center, Nexus Treatment Programs, Cigna Insurance, and as a private therapist. Duane was also a partner in a family-owned business, We Cater to You.
Duane will be missed by his family and many close friends. But we will follow his words of advice: "Let me be a blessing in everything I do today."
Memorial services will be held in January, 2017, at Covenant Community Church in Birmingham. Duane and family invite you to honor his legacy by giving to the charity of your choice or through gifts in his memory to Welcome Home of Chattanooga, www.WelcomeHomeofChattanooga.org or the Chattanooga Counseling and Mediation Center, www.chattanoogacounselingandmediation.com.
Share your memories and condolences at www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Turner Funeral Home, Inc., Hwy 58 Chapel 3913 Webb Road Chattanooga, Tn. 37416, 423 622-3171.