Wade Powell

Wade Garnett Powell was the 4th of 9 children, born to the late Lester B. Powell and the late Letha R. Sudderth-Powell on August 8, 1937. He was born and raised in Murphy, North Carolina (Cherokee County) where he spent his childhood and most of his adolescence.

Wade had many talents and many interests. When he was 12 years old, he started a Quartet with “3” of his friends and they used to sing to his Grandmother, Harriett Powell (who was blind at that time) in an attempt to sooth her spirit, and she paid each of them “1” dime for their talents and their time! Wade always sought to engage his family and he was the absolute “BEST” at playing cards. Wade played Stud Poker and Draw Poker with his best friend, Herbert (Hub) Smith and his cousin Jeanette Colbert, and nobody, I mean nobody, could beat Wade at Cards! Wade was the BEST at “Everything” he did and he Was the Purest Athlete of Everyone! There were no swimming pools back then and no one to teach his siblings how to tread water, so everyone took notes and lessons from Ole Frog Legs (Wade), and those lessons were learned in the Valley and Tennessee Rivers in Murphy, NC. He was everyone’s all-around entertainment and was a True Baller in his time! Wade was everyone’s present-day Dr. J as well as The Center of Every Girl’s Attention who came out to watch him play! He was smooth, he was a gentleman and he was the kind of guy you wanted your daughter to marry. Wade was in A Class All by Himself! A Breath of Fresh Air and a Tall Glass of Water!

In his later years, Wade left North Carolina and joined the Army which led to his life in Indianapolis, Indiana. Post Army, Wade spent much of his working years at Chrysler. Indianapolis is where he would start his family and reside for the remainder of his life. He was serious about his Koran and held that dear to him.

Wade loved his family very much. He was always the life of the party. Anyone who had the chance to be in his presence knew he was full of life and jokes. He never held back how he felt either; you knew exactly where you stood with him, and if you didn’t he would let you know without a doubt. He never knew a stranger and could spark up a conversation with just about anyone. Wade enjoyed watching sports and reality television. His favorite reality stars to watch were the Braxtons. Wade also enjoyed taking his grandchildren on ‘Penny Walks’ and the times he would allow them to pray with him on his ‘carpet’.

Wade lived a long, happy life and was called home by Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as his mission on this Earth was complete. While everyone will surely miss his physical presence, remember, it is ‘never goodbye’ but always ‘See You Later’.

His life will be forever cherished in the lives of his children: Anthony Nicholson (Kay), Karen Dunbar, Wadina Powell, Yvette Powell, Wade Powell, Jr. (Ruthie), Michelle Powell, Kimberly Powell, Tyrone Powell, Sr. (Toya), Theron Powell, Jeffery Powell, Sr. (Candice), Renda Anderson (Michael), Novita Powell, and China Etchison all of Indianapolis, Indiana; his 28 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, sister Virginia L. Farmer of Washington, D.C., nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by: Nellie R. Powell (wife), Yolanda Powell (daughter), Tyrone Powell, Jr. (grandson), Christian Cunningham (grandson), Dominique Dunbar (grandson), sisters: Mary “Lucille” Allen, Betty Powell and Annie Powell, brothers: Joe Powell, John Powell, Frank Powell, and William Powell. He has one remaining sister-in-law, Artiemisha “Mickey” Powell.