Mr. John William Wade, age 86, of Niota, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009 at Athens Regional Medical Center.

A native and life-long resident of McMinn County, he was a son of the late John Roy and Gracie Neil Small Wade and was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Hazel Lou Simpson Wade on March 19, 2008 and two Brothers: Norman Wade and Dexter Wade.

A member of Clearwater Baptist Church, he was a former employee of Webb Stone for at least 30 years and a former employee of Dalton Rock and Vulcan Material Company.  He was a former member of Meridian Sun Lodge #50 F & AM.

Survivors: Three sons & daughters-in-law:J erry D. & Darlene Wade of Athens, TN., Larry & Debbye Wade of Athens, TN., Gary "Duby" and Floried Wade of Athens, TN.  Four sisters and one brother-in-law: Geraldine Wade of Athens, TN., Joyce Dye of N.C., Nell and Herbert King of Maryville, TN., Billie Zelazinski of Washington, D.C.  Six Grandchildren and spouses: Lori & Michael Parente, Christie & Victor Medrano, Greg Wilson, Scott & Shannon Wade, Chris & Laura Wade, Chris & Renee Wilson.  Eleven great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 7:00 P.M. Thursday, December 31, 2009 in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Rev. Wayne Bryant and Gary Moore officiating.

Graveside services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 2, 2010 at McMinn Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Scott Wade, Chris Wade, Joe Simpson, Jim Simpson, Greg Wilson, and Chris Wilson.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 5-7 P.M.