Alfred Wade Smithers, affectionately called "Rat" by friends and Wade by family members, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. Wade was born on November 11, 1941, in Caroline County, Virginia, to the late Thomas and Irene Smithers.

Wade accepted Christ as his Savior and joined First Mount Calvary Baptist Church at a young age.  After being away from the church for a number of years, he recommitted himself to Christ at Calvary and attended whenever he could. Wade attended the Caroline Public Schools which included the old Dawn Elementary, Union Elementary and Union High Schools.

Even though Wade always resided in Caroline County, he enjoyed bus and road trips.  He would often visit his sisters who lived in New York and Massachusetts, and brothers who lived in Philadelphia. In his younger years, Wade was the life of the party and was quite a dancer. He was a very good-hearted person who always saw the best in everybody. He was considered the family comedian and would have everyone "splitting their side" with uncontrollable laughter. In previous years, he was very protective of his younger siblings and when they became teenagers, he reluctantly escorted them to the dances at Baylor's Inn. He continued this habit of "protectiveness" with his children when he became a father.

With his family ties to Philadelphia, Wade became a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan. He was able to quote statistics related to the team and he was always in tune with the team's performance. Not only was he an avid sports fan, but he also enjoyed watching western movies and television shows, a passion which he shared with many of his family members. Wade had a phenomenal memory and could remember details of events that happened in his childhood and early adulthood. He also enjoyed meeting at "the garage" with his friends where they had friendly arguments about politics, sports, and solving world problems.

Wade was employed with FFV Cookie Company, Fruehauf Trailer Company, and Wilson Trucking Company where he worked for thirty-five years before retiring in 2012.

In addition to his parents, Wade was preceded in death by one sister, Beulah Smithers; three brothers, Thomas "Hookie", Roosevelt and Granville Smithers.

Wade leaves cherished and loving memories to his wife of 59 years, Murlene "Shirley" Goodall Smithers; son, Wayne Alfred Page (Vicky); daughters, Donna "Papoose" Romaine Smithers, Alfreda (Freda) Roxanne Smithers, Tracey Renee Goodall (Terry), and grandchildren, Shamara, Shannon, Sheandra, Shanice, Shaniqua, Toni, Antoine, Wayne and TJ; eleven great-grandchildren; three devoted sisters, Eunice Vernell Smithers, Sarah Seabrooks, and Cheryl Alsop (Teddy); a devoted brother, Alvin Smithers (Donna); cousin/sister, Dorothy Toliver; Goddaughter, Katina Minor;  sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Smithers, Gloria "Teeny" Anderson, and Gladys Goodall; brother-in-law, Nelson "Chuck" Goodall (Oraine); devoted aunt,  Eloise Romaine and Mabel Smithers; devoted nephews, Michael, Cevin, Granville "PWe" , and Beverly "Plukie" Smithers; and many  nieces, nephews, family and friends.