Joshua R. Wade, 29, of Riceville, died Friday, March 5, 2010 at his grandmother's home in Niota. He was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, and was of the Baptist faith. He was a 1998 graduate of McMinn County High School, where he was a MVP in tennis during his junior and senior years. He won several tournaments in McMinn County and Hamilton County. When you saw Josh, you always saw that big smile on his face. He had a huge heart and those of us who loved him will miss him for the rest of our lives. May he now have the peace he always deserved. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Carrie and James Spurling; grandmother, Wanda Wade Goins; a cousin, Sylvania Johnson; and one of his best friends, Josh Moses. Survivors include his mother and step-father, Debbie and Harry Beavers of Etowah; three brothers, Sam Beavers of Etowah, Nathan Beavers of Knoxville and Adam Beavers of Knoxville; grandparents, Dennis and Peggy Wade of Athens and Jean Beavers of Etowah; aunt and uncle, Kim and Butch Wade of Athens; cousins, Corey and Trevor Wade of Athens; and several other aunts, uncles and cousins. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2010 in the South Chapel with the Rev. Mark Hensley officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials be made to the American Epilepsy Society; the website for donations is www.aesnet.org.