Jerry Colin Wade Sr. passed away on March 29, 2023 at the age of 85 at his home in Panama City, Florida. He was born on February 26, 1938 in Leesburg, Florida but grew up in the small, rural community of Linden, Florida to Claude Stephen and Nellie Mae Wade along with six brothers and sisters of which he was the youngest. Following graduation from high school, he pursued a lifelong dream of joining the United States Air Force where he served as a radar specialist in Korea and later at Tyndall Air Force base. While at Tyndall, he met the love of his life, Rebeca Jean Hardy and recently celebrated 63 years of marriage. He earned a degree in Criminology from Florida State University and served as Superintendent and Warden at multiple Florida Correctional facilities during his career. After retirement he joined the Panama City Kiwanis Club where he enjoyed meeting with his friends from around the county. Jerry was well known for his green thumb and an avid gardener but his greatest hobby was his family. Family cookouts, swimming, skiing and other activities were common place at his home. He is survived by his wife Rebecca, a son, Jerry Colin Wade II and wife Cindy, of Panama City, Florida, Joanna and husband Lee David Miller of Ocala, Florida. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Terry Ragsdale of Las Vegas, Nevada. He leaves behind six grandchildren, Shelby Sarlo, Wade Ragsdale, Jace Wade III, Amber Smith, JoLee, Lee David II, and three great grandchildren, Chance, Jaxon, and HalleeAnne. A funeral service is scheduled for April 1, 2023 at Wilson Funeral Home in Panama City, Florida beginning at 10:00 AM. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:00 prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be sent to the Helping Hands Ministry at Hiland Park Baptist Church.