Jerry Minter Wade Sr. passed away at his home in Hattiesburg, Miss., on July 31, 2014. He was born on Nov. 18, 1939, in Union, Miss. He is survived by his wife, Myra Comans Wade; two sons, Jerry Minter Wade II (Melissa) of Jupiter, Fla., and Paul Alan Wade (Amy) of Bogalusa; two daughters, Scottie Wade Bradford (Andy) of Metairie, La., and Skyler Alexandra Wade of Bogalusa; and a sister, Ann Wade Pierce (Ted) of Slidell. He is survived by six grandchildren: Ryan Wade, Savanna Wade, Morgan Wade, Alexander Bradford, Amelie Bradford and Willow Silva; and two stepchildren, Chad Herndon and Mandy Barton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Minter Wade and Mildred Holliman Wade, and a son, Peyton Bosworth Wade.

Jerry grew up in Newton, Miss., and graduated from Newton High School, where he lettered in baseball, football and track and field. After graduation, he attended Mississippi State University and excelled as a running back/wide receiver for four years. In 2003, he was awarded for his outstanding performance in football by the All American Football Foundation with the “Bill Wade Unsung Hero Award.” He remained an active member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and was recently honored as a 50-year member. Jerry lived most of his adult life in Bogalusa, where he was co-owner of Sportsman’s Inn Restaurant and Motel and an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. Jerry was also one of the founding members of the Board of Directors for the Krewe of MCCA and remained as an active board member until his death. Jerry loved MSU with all his heart and attended any MSU sporting event he could.

A memorial was held on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, at the Bogalusa Country Club. On Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014, the visitation was held at Newton County Funeral Home in Newton, Miss., followed by a graveside service at Union Cemetery in Union.

Pallbearers were Floyd Wade, Ryan Wade, John “Hutch” Hutchinson, James Carty, Terrell Grindle, John Boulware, John Corraro and Dr. Ted Hardin.

Because of Jerry’s love for Mississippi State University, the family requests memorial gifts be sent to the MSU Bulldog Club, P.O. Box 5327, MSU, MS 39762 or Sigma Chi Fraternity, Gamma Upsilon Chapter at Mississippi State.