Rodney Renard Wade

Rodney Renard Wade, 56, of Crossett, passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025 at UAMS in Little Rock. He was born, July 22, 1969, to Freddie Mae and Charles Wade in Crossett, Arkansas. He was a life-long resident of Crossett, Arkansas. A 1987 graduate of Crossett High School, Rodney went on to earn a degree in Industrial Technology from Forest Echoes Vocational College.

He was a dedicated and hard-working man who spent twenty years with Georgia-Pacific, where he served as a paper machine operator and back tender. He also worked at Wal-Mart for two years.

Rodney was a member of Kingdom Builders Ministry, where his love for and God and people shone through in everything he did. Known by many as “Hot Rod,” he was a proud member of the “870 Ryders” a motorcycle club, where his easygoing spirit and love of the open road left a lasting impression on everyone he met. A lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Rodney bled black and gold and rarely missed a chance to cheer on his team.

Rodney Wade was a devoted father, loyal friend, and lifelong lover of laughter and connection. He passed on his love of playing video games to his children, often spending hours by their side sharing stories, challenges, and victories on the screen and in life. His two children, Fred and Callie Wade, were his pride and joy, and he took great delight in watching them grow and discover their own passions.

Rodney was known for his easy smile and his ability to make everyone feel welcome. Rodney also cherished his family deeply. He shared a special bond with his siblings — his sister, Monda Wade, and his brother, Chanor Jasper — and he loved spending time and talking with them whenever he could. He attended his class reunions faithfully, always looking forward to reconnecting with old classmates and reminiscing about the good times they shared. His warmth, humor, and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He loved grilling for his family, keeping his yard in top shape, and taking long walks around Crossett when his health allowed. Rodney’s legacy lives on through his children, his friends, his relatives and the countless hearts he touched along the way.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Freddie Mae Tipton Wade.

Rodney was married to Cheryl Lowe Wade on December 24, 1991. There were two children born to this union, Fredrick O’Neal Wade and Callie Janean Wade, both of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He also leaves behind, one sister, Monda Wade, of Crossett; one brother, Chanor (Ollie) Jasper also of Pine Bluff, one uncle, John Lewis of Monroe, Louisiana; Mother-in-Love, Emogene Lowe and a special friend, Marie Briggs; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

A Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 8 th , at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett, with Rev. Tony Jones, officiating, followed by interment at Westview Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home of Crossett. Pallbearers are Derrick Campbell, Curtis Gilbert, Chanor Jasper, Brandon Love, Josh Love and Greg Payne.

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 7 th , at Medders Funeral Home.

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