Wade Hampton Whelchel

Mr. Wade Hampton Whelchel III, age 67 of Blue Ridge (formerly of Murrayville, GA), passed away Monday, July 17, 2017 at his home on his beloved horse farm after an extended illness. Wade was born December 22, 1949 in Gainesville, GA to the late Wade H. Whelchel II and the late Marguerite Peck Whelchel. Mr. Whelchel was an exceptional horseman who enjoyed raising horses, mules, and trail riding. Wade also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He was a big man. Everything about him was big: his stature, his personality, his charm, his charisma, his love, and his life. There was never a half way or mediocre for him. His life was filled with the kind of cowboy adventures most only see in movies. We will remember his goodness; like the way he rode a horse, loved his grandkids, and charmed the ladies. We will remember how he filled a room with his presence, told tall tales, and the way he wore his hat. We will remember his whistling that could be heard from the other side of the farm, how he loved to eat tomatoes, and how he could talk for hours around a campfire. He is now riding a perfect horse, on a perfect mountaintop, on an eternally perfect day. Ride on, Big Wade, ride on.

Survivors include his loving fiancé, whom he adored, Lisa Mitchell, daughter, Sandi Simpson, son, Andrew Whelchel, daughter, Emily DeFoor, two sisters, Lynn Lathem and Louann Whelchel, brother, Mark Whelchel and grandchildren, SaraBeth Simpson, Luke DeFoor and Gabe DeFoor.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, July 22, 2017 from 3:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at the Henry Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA.

Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Georgia Equine Rescue League at www.gerlltd.org