Larry Nolan Wade

Larry graduated from Richmond High School in 1969. He played football while attending Contra Costa College. Later in life, he pursued a paralegal certificate at St. Mary's College of California in Moraga. Larry worked for Safeway Bread Plant in Richmond, California for over 18 years. He worked as the Executive Director for California Community Dispute Ser­ vices where he oversaw meditations. Larry worked at Golden Gate Transit for over 17 years were he established lifetime friendships.

Larry married his high school sweetheart, Gwendolyn (Gulledge) Wade and after six years of marriage, Christopher Nolan Wade was born. Larry married his second wife, Lorraine (Olden) Wade and from this union, they had a son, Israel Wade.

Larry joined the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church (MBC), Richmond, California after accepting an invitation from his grandmother, Eddie Mae Wayfer, and hearing the sermon "There Are No Hogs Here Today" by the late Reverend John H. Green. He would later become an ordained deacon and serve there for many years, teaching Sunday School, and working in the Layman's Department. He would also serve under the leadership of his good friend, Reverend Charles Stewart, presiding Pastor of St. Luke MBC.

Larry accepted his call to preach in 1997 and preached his first sermon at First John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Sam H. Clark. He served as an associate minister at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, under Pastor Nixon McDonald, and Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, under his good friend the late Pastor Gerald Campbell. Larry preached at various churches, spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ and praying for all that he encountered, impacting their lives forever. His ministry has touched the lives of many and will live on in their hearts. Most of all, his love for Christ and service to the Lord was an example to his children and grandchildren. Larry baptized his sons Chris and Israel, as well as his grandsons. He officiated the union of his son Chris and daughter-in-law Andreina in Holy Matrimony.

Larry enjoyed the outdoors and loved to go fishing and hunting. He especially loved going to the movies with his sons and grandsons. He was an avid reader with hundreds of books in his study. Larry enjoyed spending time with his children and watching Israel participate in the Special Olympics. He was an advocate for children with special needs.