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CPT Shelba H. “Hank” Wade Jr., USN, Retired, 85, of Advance, passed away on April 12, 2023 after a seven-year valiant battle with cancer.

He was the son of Shelba and Cathryn Stockton Wade.  Hank was a graduate of Reynolds High School and the Citadel. He enlisted in the Navy in 1955, and became a naval aviator in 1963. Following his marriage to Gaye Sowers of Advance on June 8, 1963, they traveled to Rota, Spain for his first tour of duty.  Other tours included Pensacola, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach.  After leaving active duty, Hank and Gaye moved to Advance and raised their two daughters, Deborah and Ashley. He continued his service in the Navy reserves until he retired with the rank of Captain in 1985. Hank worked as general manager of CENCO, Inc. and served as the company’s chief corporate pilot.

Community service was very important to him.He was active at Advance United Methodist Church in committee work and teaching. Hank also served as President of the Stratford Kiwanis Club, and in more recent years as President and other offices in the Tarheel Central Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.

Survivors include: his wife, Gaye Sowers Wade; daughters, Deborah Wade and Ashley Everett (Jody); granddaughters, Savannah and Meredith; sister, Betty Wade Brantley; niece, Cathryn Morse; and nephew, Buck Howard.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 22 at Advance United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Chris Key officiating.  Military rites will be conducted by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to: Tarheel Central Chapter MOAA, c/o CPT P. Briscoe, USN (RET), P.O. Box 487, Yadkinville, NC 27055.

Online condolences: www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com.