Glenn Franklin Wade Jr., 78, of Bushnell, FL, died Friday March 2, 2012, in Sumterville, FL. Born in his childhood home outside of Bushnell on October 22, 1933, Glenn took great pride in being a native Floridian and member of one of Sumter Counties pioneer families. Glenn was a graduate of Bushnell High School, Class of 1951 and the University of Florida, earning a bachelor's degree in agricultural education in 1956. He returned to Bushnell High School to teach vocational agriculture and, after 2 years moved to Haines City High School where he continued to teach. Glenn worked on his master's degree after school and on weekends, receiving that degree in 1967. He later moved from teaching to administration and became Polk County Supervisor of Vocational Agriculture. In this role he worked with the Florida Citrus Commission to develop the Citrus Fundraising Project that continues to raise millions for FFA chapters. Glenn's leadership, ability and vision led to his position as Citrus County School's Director of Vocational, Adult and Community Education in 1971.
One of Glenn's greatest achievements was his work in planning and obtaining funding for the Lecanto Joint-Use Facility; an innovative concept that allowed students to stay on one campus from elementary through high school and then earn an A.A. degree from Central Florida Community College. In 1986, Glenn retired to his cattle ranch after 30 years in education, but his service to his community did not end. Glenn served on the Board of Trustees for Lake-Sumter Community College and was instrumental in obtaining land for a satellite campus in Sumterville. As a result of his leadership and effort, the board voted to name the campus after him in 1999. Glenn was a founding member of Hospice of Lake and Sumter, now known as Cornerstone Hospice and along with his business partners donated land for the Lane Purcell Hospice House in Sumter County.
Glenn served in many leadership positions: director of Florida Vocational Agriculture Teachers Assoc.; President of the Polk County Agriculture Teachers Assoc.; President of the Sumter County Cattleman's Assoc.; charter member and first chair Board of Directors, Florida FFA Foundation. He was instrumental in procuring 123 acres donated for the FFA Leadership Training Center and received many honors for his accomplishments including: FFA Honorary State Farmer Degree; Honorary American Farmer Degree; Outstanding Service awards from Citrus, Lecanto and Crystal River FFA Chapters and the Florida FFA Foundation. In 2001, Glenn and Patricia were honored with the Blue and Gold Award for dedicated service to Florida FFA. Glenn was also presented honorary membership in dozens of local FFA chapters. Glenn was an influential teacher, advisor and administrator who devoted his entire life to education and improvement in his community.
Glenn is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 53 years, Patricia; many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family; his dearest friend, Patrick T. Grady, wife Rozanne, and their three children. Glenn was also comforted by his devoted and compassionate cousin, Marty Wade, and his loving niece, Michele Gaster, who spent many hours sharing their love, devotion and dedication.
Visitation for Mr. Wade will held on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at First United Methodist Church of Bushnell from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at First Baptist Church of Bushnell at 2 p.m. with interment to follow at Indian Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Cornerstone Hospice, c/o Lane Purcell Hospice House, 2452 C.R. 562E, Sumterville, FL 33585 or First United Methodist Church of Bushnell, 221 W. Noble Ave., Bushnell, FL 33513 or Florida FFA Foundation, 5000 Firetower Rd., Haines City, FL 33844. Condolences may be left at www.purcellfuneralhome.com, Purcell Funeral Home in Bushnell, FL, is in charge of arrangements. Please visit http:// memorialwebsites.legacy.com/glennfwade.
Published in Citrus County Chronicle on March 5, 2012