Wade Lewis Rider

Wade Lewis Rider, age 66, of Montevallo, Alabama passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021. Wade was born September 1, 1955 in Olathe, Kansas. He was the youngest of 10 children to Ollie and Alyene Rider. His father was a member of the Chickasaw Nation, and Wade was proud to be a Native American and carry on the traditions of his heritage.

Wade joined the U.S. Air Force at age 17, served a combat tour in Vietnam, and spent the rest of his enlistment providing security on U.S. missile bases before receiving an honorable discharge. Following his military service, he transitioned to Law Enforcement and climbed the ranks of the police department in Lawrence, Kansas, eventually serving for a number of years as a Lieutenant.

Wade left policing to join a mentor's private investigation business, moving first to South Carolina and then to Alabama. He spent most of his career working as an insurance fraud investigator. He ended his work career as the manager of his favorite course, Montevallo Golf Course, which he always said was his dream job. While managing the golf course, he volunteered with Falcon Flight, a program that develops job and life skills for young people with special needs.

Wade was a lifelong Christian who loved golfing, sports, camping, grilling, and anything and everything else he did with his beloved family. He was active in Scouting, serving as a Den Leader and Cub Master for many years, and remained connected to Scouting throughout his life. He was a Kansas Jayhawk by birth and became an avid Alabama Crimson Tide fan upon settling in Alabama. He loved to build and fix things, and will be remembered for his helping spirit by those he has left behind.

Wade is survived by the love of his life, his wife Kimberly Martin Rider, along with his four sons, Jason Rider and his wife Michelle of Pacolet, South Carolina, Brinn Rider and his wife Michelle of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Trevin Rider and his wife Kimberlee of Alabaster, Alabama, and Keaton Rider of Montevallo; grandchildren, Ashton Rider, Easton Rider, Brayden Rider, Jennifer Petty, Bradley Shuler, and Magen Rodriguez; sisters, Maelyne Schultz of Billings, Montana and Judy Gilliland of Lawrence, Kansas; brothers, Dennis Rider of Paola, Kansas and Dusty Rider of Zephyr Hills, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Wade’s life will be held November 13, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Montevallo First United Methodist Church. The family will receive guests one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Wade Rider’s honor to Montevallo First United Methodist Church or the American Heart Association.