Mr. Wade T. Carpenter, Jr., a distinguished air traffic controller, devoted Freemason, and cherished member of Smyrna Methodist Church, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 26, 2024.  Born in December 20, 1940 in Grays Landing, he graduated from Toombs Central School in 1957, where he was both Class President and Valedictorian.  His dedication to service began early, continuing through his enlistment in the U.S. Navy from 1958 until 1961. 

After his military service, Wade pursued higher education at Brewton-Parker College and Brunswick Junior College.  In1968, he advanced his career by attending the Federal Aeronautical Academy in Oklahoma City, which led to a notable career at the Atlanta Air Traffic Control Center.  Wade’s tenure with the FAA included key roles such as Air Traffic Control Chief for Macon and Warner Robins, Air Traffic Manager for the Atlanta Regional Office and Branch Manager for Airspace and Procedure in the Southeastern Region.  He retired from the FAA in 2003, returning as Federal Contractor until 2006. 

He was a dedicated member for over fifty years at Milliken Creek Masonic Lodge # 302 in Cedar Crossing, proudly following in his father’s footsteps.  He was also a lifetime member of Smyrna Methodist Church, where he contributed as a Lay Speaker and was an active member of the Smyrna Men’s Club. 

Wade is preceded in death by his parents, Wade T. Carpenter, Sr. and Minnie Wallace Crosby Carpenter; and his brother, John Wallace Carpenter.

In 1964, Wade met his beautiful bride, Sharone Carter, in Brunswick, Georgia.  They married in April 1965 and enjoyed fifty-nine years of deep love and companionship.  Wade is survived by his wife Sharone; their two children, Regina Sharone Reimer and partner Halil Guven, and Wade Thomas Carpenter III and partner Annie Covell; his cherished and favorite grandchild, Kayleigh Sharone Reimer; one sister, Jan VanDongen; sister-in-law, Betty Carpenter; and several nieces and nephews.

Wade’s legacy of service, dedication, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  He was an avid golfer, and he enjoyed genealogy, history, playing rummy with his family, and watching sports.

The funeral service will be Tuesday, July 30th, at 12:00 noon in the chapel of Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home with Pastor Melvin Kramer officiating.  Burial will follow at Smyrna Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday morning from 10:30 until just prior to the service.

In lieu flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Smyrna Cemetery Fund, c/o Allison B. Gates, 287 Delma Burke Road, Uvalda, GA 30473, or the Masonic Home for Children, 1417 Nottingham Drive, Macon GA 31211 or by visiting their website at masonichomeofgeorgia.com.

Pallbearers are Wade Carpenter III, Earl Newalu, Jeff Bruner, Cesar Perez, Sam Bowen, Buddy Lane, David Bell, and Joseph Stanley.

Honorary pallbearers are Smyrna Church Adult Sunday School Class, 1958 graduates of Toombs Central School, and Jerome and Paula Toole, Billy Burke, Bobby Carpenter, Peter and Delane Dees, Clinton Avant, Gail Bell, and Brenda Stanley.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.