On Tuesday, December 5, 2016, Gregory B. Davis Foundation (GBDF) Board Member and Senior Advisor, Duane L. Wade passed away peacefully with his family by his side in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The GBDF family will miss this man with an incredible heart and spirit who gave so much of his time, talent, and treasure not only to GBDF and his community, but to the world.
Born in Kinross, Alabama, Duane was an exceptional musician and dancer, and had a gift for helping others. Some of our GBDF Annual Valentine’s Gala attendees may recall him dancing away and having a grand ole time a few years back. He served in the U.S. Army before combining his talents to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Therapy from Florida State University. He also held a Master's Degree in Counseling, Consulting, and Crisis Intervention, and a Master's Degree in Business Administration. Duane was active in many diverse communities. He developed and co-founded organizations including Welcome Home of Chattanooga, Kids on the Block Junior Board Development, Outlook Chattanooga, and the Chattanooga Compassionate Care Program. Duane fulfilled his passion for counseling through the Chattanooga Counseling and Mediation Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Grace Ministries in Birmingham, Alabama. Read his full obituary to learn more about Duane.
James and Edna Brown were blessed to have spent time with him and his partner, Wes Fortner, in early November 2016 in Bethesda, Maryland sharing laughter, food, fun, and a lot of love and hugs. (Photo on left) His daughter Jill Tyson and her husband Chris of Alexandria, VA and family member and friend, Chandra Alexander Butler of Philadelphia joined us. We knew then that our time with him on this “earthly sphere” would be short. A true “angel” has taken flight to heaven.
Duane, we will truly miss you, your wonderful giving spirit, your resiliency, your humor and “spunk”, your “unconditional” love and support…..you will remain forever in our heart