Edward Michael Wade

Edward Michael Wade, affectionately known as “Mikey” or “Mike” by his family and “Ed” or “Wade” by his co-workers and friends, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023.

Edward, who was born in Arkansas, and rambled about from time-to-time in Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia, always seemed to return to his primary residence of McMinn County, Tennessee. He was an incredibly hardworking man who spent years as an industrial painter and laborer.

Edward lived his early life as a wild and rambunctious party animal. His children and friends will remember many years of laughter, fun, Rock-N-Roll music, good food, and pushing the boundaries. He was a handsome man who loved riding his motorcycle and who couldn’t help leaving a trail of broken hearts in his younger days.

While he was a wild child in his early years, he settled down into an easy-going and fun-loving man. He enjoyed fishing, cooking for loved ones, eating good food, watching movies, being outside, spending time with his family and friends, playing cards, and a good party. He was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Donna, and a kind and patient father and grandfather. While he only had one biological child, Tabitha, whom he loved and was eternally proud of, he quickly took on the role of father to Donna’s four children, Dustin, Kenneth, Brandy, and Mistina. Edward showed endless love and patience toward all of his children and earned the title of “Daddy Mikey” not only to his stepchildren but to nearly every child who entered his life.

Edward is preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Allen Campbell of Athens, TN, two brothers Jeff and Rick Wade, his mother-in-law Iona Morgan, and brother-in-law Ronald Morgan.

Edward is survived by his wife, Donna Wade, children, Tabitha Hunt and husband Jeremy Hunt, Mistina Brown and husband Tom Richards, Brandy Stiegler and fiancé Hector Olavarria-Negron, Kenneth Fairbanks, Dustin Fairbanks, and sister Charlotte. Edward also leaves behind two special sisters-in-law, Mysti Morgan and Krysti Morgan, a special brother-in-law, Mark Morgan, and numerous grandchildren.

The family invites all friends and loved ones to share their memories and love at a Celebration of Life service at Ziegler Funeral Home in Athens, TN on Sunday, October 29, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

If you are unable to attend the visitation or memorial service, please sign the online registry at:

www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with serving the family of Edward Michael Wade.