Phillip Clayton Wade

Phillip Clayton Wade was born April 6, 1948 to Zettie (Clayton) and Lowell Dee Wade in Blytheville, Arkansas. Phillip transitioned this life on October 2 2019 at the age of 74. During childhood, Phil functioned almost as an only child due to the large age difference between him and his older siblings. While he didn't especially enjoy sports he and his cocker spaniel, Freckles, explored all kinds of adventures, often centered around electronics and science projects. He was an outstanding student through the Byltheville public school system, excelling in all areas of study, math, science, arts, English and Latin. Many of his teachers said in later years he was one of the most talented and intelligent students they had the privilege to mentor. Phil attended Memphis State University, (now University of Memphis) majoring in business. Before graduating, he turned his talents toward teaching electronics at a vocational training school in Forrest City, Arkansas. From there he moved to North Arkansas to open an electronics and appliance repair shop in Salem, Arkansas. After a long distance courtship, he left Salem and moved to Heber Springs, Arkansas where he married Andrea McCurry. At the same time, he became stepfather to Keith Andrew Black and two years later he and Andrea had their son, Jeremy Lowell. After marriage Phil worked in his wife's fathers business, McCurry Chevrolet before moving on to a stained glass studio. He designed the windows, cut the glass, and installed the finished result. After learning the meaning of "starving artist" he went to work with Aromatique preforming many different roles. He helped develop products, manager personnel, the company's facilities, did interior design for show rooms in various trade marts and a retail shop in London, England, and was ultimately General Manager. He left Aromatique in 2002 and found himself embroiled in his father business in Blytheville, Blytheville Iron and Metal. The business dealt in scrap metal and structural steel. After several years of commuting from Heber Springs, the business was sold in 2006. Since that time, he has been retired from business, enjoying projects in his home, designing a large deck with water feature, indoor décor, assisting friends with electrical problems, and mechanizing his home—often to the confusion of his wife. He was civic minded, helping create a Chamber of Commerce in Salem, helping organize the Cleburne County Arts Council, and serving on the board of Cleburne County Library for 10 years. His final years were plagued with complications of prostate cancer. His parents, in-laws and sister-in-law, Mary predeceased Phil. He is survived by his wife Andrea, son Jeremy Wade and wife Jennifer (Weinberg), stepson Keith Black and wife Lisa Horowitz, sister Shirley (Wade) and husband Jesse Fleming and brother Jerry Dee Wade and wife Betty, along with many friends and extended family. There will be no formal service, but family and friends are invited to get together in the home at 1840 Ausley Circle, Heber Springs on Friday, October 4, at 5 p.m. for remembrances of Phil. www.dwightfamilyfuneral.com.