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William Wade Pickard, age 69, passed away peacefully on July 26, surrounded by the love of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack McElvy Pickard and Katherine Goodwyne Pickard.
Wade believed in directing one’s own life: in weighing a decision, asking what the next best step might be, and then having the courage to take it. That philosophy carried him from his home in Columbus, Georgia, graduating as a loyal Georgia Bulldog, and a career in commercial development. Wade and Lisa Rogers Pickard, his wife and true love, traveled the world side by side, which led to a journey that would come to define him: a move to Africa, where he built a home and gave himself fully to the life around him. He was passionate about the preservation of endangered animals and found something sacred in being one with the process of life itself: the rhythms of the land, the wildlife, and the vastness of it all.
Sailing was another of his great passions. Whether racing, chasing adventures on the open water, or helping friends deliver boats to their next destination, he was always ready to go. Through sailing he built friendships that spanned decades and coastlines, from Tampa, Florida to ports far beyond.
Books were among his truest companions and Wade was exceptionally well-read. He could always be found with something interesting in hand, content in the quiet but he was equally at home in a crowd. His wife’s social gatherings, full of good food and dear friends, were some of his favorite moments, and he brought the same warmth to every room he entered. He was, simply, a friend to all: a great listener, generous with his attention, and beloved by people from every chapter of his life. He and Lisa recently settled in the Columbus area, where he grew up.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa, and his sister, Shannon Pickard Marsh (Shep), his nephew Howard Matthew Johnson, grandnephews Howard Carter Johnson and Dalton McElvy Johnson, sisters-in-law Susan Rogers (Matt) and Lynn James, brother-in-law Kevin McGuirk, and nieces Hanna James, Sarah James, Elena McGuirk and Miranda (Mal) McGuirk.
Wade lived by his own compass, always asking what came next and meeting it with open arms. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to call him a friend. Wade lived by the words of William Ernest Henley’s poem “Invictus”: “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.”
There will be two Celebrations of Life to drop in and toast Wade’s life and friendship:
August 8, 2026, from 3-5 pm at 1701 Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa Florida
August 21, 2026, from 2-5 pm at 455 Cedar Drive W, Hamilton, Georgia
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations in Wade’s name:
Rhino Revolution at: www.rhinorevolution.org
Columbus Hospice of Georgia and Alabama at: www.columbushospice.com
Georgia Cremation-Columbus is assisting the family with the arrangements.
LeNoir says
My sympathy to Wade’s family. This tribute to his life is lovely. I knew Wade in high school, and although I never would have predicted the direction he took in later life, many of the qualities that guided him were already there, even back then. Very sorry for your loss.
Kathy LeNoir
Gary Jones says
Wade was a wonderful guy and will be missed.
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
Bianca Burger says
I met Wade in Namibia at EHRA. His love and knowledge for nature and animals astounded me. A wonderful man who left his mark on people of all kinds.
Condolences to your family who he loved speaking about ❤️*
Mel Mendenhall says
Sorry to hear the news, that will no doubt befall us all. In grade school at Clubview, on occasion I would go home with Wade and race go carts in his backyard. He had an area behind his yard thick with bamboo. Perhaps a foretelling of an adventurous life.
Printha and Jai says
Wade was a special person who never hesitated to speak his mind and always stood up for what he believed was right. His strong sense of justice, courage, and integrity inspired everyone who knew him.
I met Wade nearly 15 years ago through our running group. We trained together, and I completed my first marathon with him by my side. I especially remember our long runs, when Wade would often choose the scenic route through nature rather than the pavement, running through trails covered in fallen leaves. His love of the outdoors was infectious.
Jai and I were also fortunate to join Wade and Lisa on a trip to Africa, which remains my most memorable vacation.
I had the privilege of witnessing Wade’s courage during his illness. He faced every challenge with strength, grace, and grit, fighting until the very end. I will always admire him for that.
Wade’s memory will be forever cherished. We are deeply grateful for the time we shared with him and will miss him dearly.
Eileen Barrs says
Saw Wade at our 50th class reunion. He was always the nicest guy in school and certainly was at the reunion. It’s so true that he was so attentive, a great listener, and conversational too. He told us about his illness and that he may not make it to our next one, but he was present as if he had all the time in world.
Helen Guarnieri says
What a warrior that lived an amazing life.
Rest in heaven Wade 🙏🏻.
Bob Miles says
The world feels dimmer now without Wade in it. To know him was to witness a rare kind of warmth, courage, curiosity, and love—and to lose him is to feel the absence of someone truly remarkable.
Wade loved his dear wife, Lisa, with a devotion that was unmistakable. His proposal was the kind of moment that feels almost too beautiful to be real: after Lisa completed her sailing journey from South America across the Pacific Ocean to New Zealand, Wade was waiting at the arrival dock with a dozen roses and a bended knee. It was a gesture full of romance, patience, and wholehearted love—the kind of love that stays with everyone lucky enough to witness it.
Wade carried an adventurous spirit wherever he went, especially in his adopted South Africa. He trained alongside me and inspired a group of us to complete our first half marathon—encouraging us not just with words, but with the steady example of his own determination. When an untimely lymphoma diagnosis kept him from finishing the race he had trained for, the disappointment was real, but it never defined him. Even during chemotherapy and radiation, and even against his doctor’s advice to rest, Wade kept moving forward so he could run the Disney marathon. That strength was breathtaking. He completed the race with extraordinary times, then followed it with a record-setting half-marathon pace—a testament not only to his endurance, but to the fierce and beautiful will with which he lived.
Wade was a true intellect, always immersed in a book and endlessly curious about the world. Conversations with him stayed with you, because he listened closely, thought deeply, and spoke with honesty. His curiosity made him one of the most interesting people I have ever had the privilege of calling a friend. I will miss his mind, his humor, his courage, and the way he made ordinary conversations feel meaningful. I will miss the comfort of knowing he was there. Most of all, I will carry gratitude—for his friendship, for the talks we shared, for his boldness in speaking his mind, and for the example he gave of living fully and authentically.
May we all be so lucky in this life to have a friend like Wade—someone who reminds us to love boldly, keep going when the road is hard, stay curious, speak honestly, and leave behind a light that continues to shine in the hearts of those who loved him.
Amy Raff says
So sorry to hear the sad news about Wade as went to Clubview and Richards with him.
Exciting to hear that he lived life to the fullest.
May his family and friends find peace .
Stephanie Johnson says
My deepest sympathies to Lisa and family-
May his strength- courage – determination and laughter- carry is all through-
Donamae Clinebell says
I met Wade through business which led to a great friendship & changed the trajectory of my career. I will never forget when Wade & I met for lunch fairly shortly after he met Lisa. He just beamed in telling me about Lisa & her amazing race across the Atlantic, Wade boasted about her bravery & strength- And then Wade became a warrior in his own story of bravery & strength. You are missed by many in so many ways. But will always remembered by your warmth & friendship. Much Love Wade.
Ed Slack says
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Wade. He was a remarkable man who filled the world with love, compassion and joy. My thoughts are with you and your family as you hold onto beautiful memories of your life together and carry his spirit forward.
My deepest sympathy
Cathy Cary Smith says
How sad I was to learn of Wade’s passing. My sympathy goes out to his wife and family. From Mrs. Hurt’s class in fifth grade at Clubview School to the halls of Hardaway High, he was a gentleman. Wade was kind, compassionate, deep, and intelligent. What a big life he lived. Wade was a good human and a remarkable man.