Granville Preston Wade Breeden, Sr., age 84, of Spring Lake, MI, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on January 2, 1940 in Covington, VA, to Joseph and Ollie (Griffith) Breeden, and was raised by his loving mother, Ollie, and step-father, Linwood Robinson.

Wade married Carolyn Gardner in September of 1960, and they recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.

Wade earned his GED and joined the United States Marine Corps at age 17, serving from 1957 to 1960. He constantly worked to better his future for himself and his family. After his discharge from the service, he worked in the shipyards of Newport News, VA, until he transitioned to working in quality control for numerous electrical generating facilities throughout the country.

Wade lived a life filled with ever-loving passion and commitment to his family. A lifelong jokester, family and friends were in constant laughter over his quick wit and sense of humor.

Wade was passionate about experiencing life’s simple pleasures, spending many days outdoors fishing, hunting, and golfing. He also enjoyed sailing in his younger years, participating in numerous Lake Michigan sailing competitions.

In his later years, Wade delighted in wine making and spending time with his grandchildren, watching their many sports games and extracurricular activities.

Wade will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife, Carolyn Breeden; his daughter, Tammy (Jeff) Fritz; and son, Wade (Heidi) Breeden, Jr.; eight grandchildren: Jonathan (Cody) Shafer-Fritz, Preston (Eliza Smyka) Fritz, Duncan Fritz, Mason Fritz, Delaney Breeden, Garrett Breeden, Payton Breeden, and Alex Tollefson; sisters, Genevieve Taylor and Linda Robinson-Gillespie; brother, Joseph Breeden; and many nieces and nephews, including Charmaine (Wayne) Booze and Teresa Livengood.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two siblings: Percy Allen/Bob (Nancy) Breeden of Yucca Valley, CA and Elizabeth (Jackie) Breeden of Newport News, VA.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan, The People Center of Spring Lake, or Trinity Health at Home Hospice-Grand Haven.

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