Harry Dixon Wade

Harry Dixon Wade, Sr. passed away peacefully on March 18, 2024, in Jacksonville, FL. He was born July 10, 1929, in Tarrant, Alabama to James H. and Effie Mae Wade. The fourth of five children, Harry grew up in Birmingham, AL. He worked and paid his own way through Howard College (Samford University), graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Economics.

Harry’s life was a testament to dedication and hard work. In 1950, he met and married the “pride of his life” Billie Smith. They enjoyed a very happy fifty-six years of marriage with their two children. Harry's career spanned forty-five years with a leading grocery company. He started as a bag boy and climbed the corporate ladder, eventually becoming the Director of Work Methods at the corporate headquarters. His responsibilities included developing systems to increase employee productivity, improve customer service, and inventory control. He was part of the industry committee that developed the Uniform Product Code that is used worldwide today. His company's success with the laser scanning system led to him being invited as the keynote speaker at the first European Congress on Electronics in London, England. Harry retired in January 1993 and enjoyed retirement with his family, playing the dulcimer and tennis.

Harry was a beloved member of the community. He was a member of Highlands United Presbyterian Church for over forty years, serving as an Elder and volunteering in many positions. He was an eleven-gallon blood donor and volunteered at Arlington Community Services food bank. He worked tirelessly to make Highland’s ACS’s “Jelly Church” a reality, knowing that if families only had peanut butter, jelly, and bread, they would have a meal to sustain them.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife Billie. He is survived by his two children, Mary Ann Riggs and H. Dixon Wade, Jr. (Joanne); six grandchildren, Melissa Frankie, Jennifer Van Zandt (Nick), James Wade, Amanda Carter (James), Adam Wade (Danielle) and Lindsey Dodd (Violet) and nine great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be on April 13, 2024, at 11:00 am at Highlands United Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Highlands United Presbyterian Church.