Kenneth ”Ken” Wayne Wade Sr. born December 6, 1950 to the late Hattie Maryland Johnson Wade Bealer and Jack Wade in Plummervile, AR. He departed this life on Sunday, July 31, 2022.

He professed a hope in Christ at an early age at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Plummervile, AR. When he moved to Little Rock, he later became a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Alf Bosley where he sang in the choir and served in other capacities. After returning to Arkansas in 2011, he joined Greater Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor David Featherstone. He served as a Church Trustee.

Ken attend school in the Conway County School District. He attended college at Arkansas Baptist College for 2 years where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He then transferred to Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR where he graduated with a BA in Sociology.

In 1973, he married Marva Jean Ridley. To this union three sons were added, Kenny, Korey and Matthew. Korey preceded him in death.

From 1976 – 2015, Ken worked with several non-profit organizations. His life work was dedicated to helping non-profit organizations reach their highest potential whether it was in name or by monetary contributions from the community. His journey began as the Director of Inner-City/Urban Scouting in Little Rock and North Little Rock, AR; Director of Scouting in Indianapolis, IN; Chief Operating Officer of Milwaukee County Council, Milwaukee, WI where he was the first African American to serve in this position; First Executive Director of the Miami Valley Council, Dayton, OH, where he also was the first African American to serve in this position; Executive Director of Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence he was the first African American male to serve and Urban League of the State of Arkansas. He also served the community by volunteering with several organizations such as Bridge 2 Success. He was a member of the Central Little Rock Optimist Club, City of Little Rock Land Bank Commission and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

He was preceded in death by his biological parents Hattie M. Johnson Wade Bealer and Jack Wade, one son, Korey Wade, brothers, James Michael Wade, Donnie Bealer, Keith Bealer, Donald Wade and sisters, Jacqueline Wade, Janice Lewis, Flora Wade.

He leaves to cherish his memory, the mother of his boys, Marva, sons Jonathan Robinson of Little Rock, Kenneth Jr. ”Kenny” (Jamie) of South Carolina, Matthew (Sandra) of Little Rock, 3 grandchildren, Jorrell Rios-Wade, Emma Grace and Juan Wade of Little Rock, father, Bhufus Bealer of Little Rock, sisters, Mable Bealer, Cherie Hughes (Terry), Bernita Deadmon (Jimmy) all of Little Rock, brother Ronald Wade of Little Rock, sister-in laws, Mattie Wade of Lonoke and Linda Bealer of Little Rock A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who have become extended family.

Funeral services will be held Saturday August 13, 2022 at Greater Second Baptist Church, 5615 Geyer Springs Road in Little Rock. The family will receive friends from 6-7pm Friday August 12, 2022 in the Hardy Funeral Home Memorial Chapel.