of Bull Shoals, AR
December 26, 1945 - November 20, 2025
Christopher ''Chris'' Wade, 79, of Bull Shoals, AR passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025 in Mountain Home, AR held close by the family he loved so dearly.
Born on December 26, 1945 in Gainesville, TX to Milton and Eloise (Oden) Wade, Chris lived a life filled with curiosity, adventure and a deep commitment to the people around him. He graduated from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and proudly served as president of his fraternity, Kappa Alpha, a role that reflected his natural ability to lead, connect and inspire.
Chris began his real estate career at the remarkable age of 17, becoming one of the youngest real estate brokers in the state of Arkansas. He poured his heart into his community from the very beginning. Chris was a founding member of the Mountain Home MLS (Multi List Service) and was honored as Realtor of the Year in 1974. He was also a founding member of Citizens Bank in Flippin, AR. His love of exploration led him to map caves for the National Speleological Society. A visionary and a builder in every sense, he helped establish the Flippin Airshow; served on the Airport Commission and the Flippin Rural Water Extension and was a past president of the Flippin Chamber of Commerce. He also treasured the friendships and laughter he shared with the Marion County Bourbon Club.
More than his accomplishments, Chris will be remembered for the way he lived. He loved to travel and found peace and joy in the outdoors, especially anywhere near the water. He delighted in building things with his hands, approaching each new project with creativity, patience and pride. Chris was always surrounded by critters, both wild and domestic and he cared for them with the same steady kindness he showed everyone he met. He was a man who loved deeply, worked wholeheartedly and walked through life on his own adventurous path.
Left to carry his memory forward are his loving wife, Diane (Di) Wade; his daughter, Telicia Wade-Perry and her husband, Richard; his sons, Chris Wade Jr., Aaron Wade (Christina Freeze); his stepsons, Stephen Campbell and Timothy Campbell and his wife, Christina; his grandchildren, Landon Perry, Logan Perry, Emma Wade and Alex Wade, Kingston Campbell, Jayden Campbell and Christian Campbell; his niece, Margaret Ott and her husband, Greg and their children, Chance (Danielle) and Lacie (Tim) and his former spouse and mother of his children, Rosalee Wade. Each of them holds a piece of his spirit, his humor, his determination and his boundless love.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Jackie Mutz and Daisy Elkins, with whom he now shares eternal peace.
A funeral service honoring Chris' life will be held at Roller Burns Funeral Home, 725 N. Panther Ave., Yellville on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. with interment to follow at Flippin Cemetery.
Those who knew Chris will remember a man who never stopped exploring, who loved without hesitation and who left his community and the world, better than he found it.
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19 Condolence(s)
Mora Terhune
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
I am saddened to hear about Chris- may God comfort his family.
Lisa Lashley
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
So very sorry for the families loss. I enjoyed working for he and Rosalee when they owned Whitewater Grill. He was always so much fun and a generous man. Rest in peace Chris.
Gary Norman
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Knew Chris from many years in Yellville school together , Water skiing and boat riding with him many times . Helped him do mechanic work on his and my autos . And believe it or not they ran afterword . He will be missed and will be in my memories for the rest of my days . RIP old friend .
Sidney Fulton
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Good memories of all the good times in the Brazos. It was a pleasure getting to know you and Di. Chris...you will be missed.
Christine Buckingham
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
We didn’t know Chris well but he made a lasting impression on us as a man of humour and adventure.
We met Chris and Di by chance in Durango and met up again in Ely Minnesota (I have a lovely peaceful memory of Chris in a canoe).
They stayed with us briefly during their visit to the UK and Chris enjoyed a pint in the local pub.
Di, I am thinking of you - we had a laugh or two didn’t we Memories are so precious and you have a lifetime of mementos of Chris which I hope will sustain you going into the future.
Tammy M. Hicks
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
My condolences to the family!! Hate to lose another elder!! He will be missed!! Prayers🙏🙏🙏
Cheryl Nesmith
Monday, November 24, 2025
It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of Chris. I look back with fond memories at the laughter and delicious food we all shared while living in the Brazos Canyon. My heartfelt condolences to Di and all of the family members. Chris…you will be missed.
Erick Toledo
Monday, November 24, 2025
Wine, laughs, eats and treat overlooking the Brazos River....good memories -his presence will be missed.
Larry and Glynda Mcnair
Monday, November 24, 2025
So sorry to hear that Chris has passed. He was a good friend and we have many fond memories of the fun times spent together. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Sadly we have lost a true friend and brother.
Christine Buckingham
Monday, November 24, 2025
We didn’t know Chris well but he made a lasting impression on us as a man of humour and adventure.
We met Chris and Di by chance in Durango and met up again in Ely Minnesota (I have a lovely peaceful memory of Chris in a canoe).
They stayed with us briefly during their visit to the UK and Chris enjoyed a pint in the local pub.
Di, I am thinking of you - we had a laugh or two didn’t we Memories are so precious and you have a lifetime of mementos of Chris which I hope will sustain you going into the future.
Duncan Plymate
Monday, November 24, 2025
Chris’ friendship will be deeply missed. The few years in the brazos canyon, NM and getting to know him Diana and some of his family were very enjoyable times. God bless all.
Alex Sylvester
Sunday, November 23, 2025
My sincere condolences. Prayers for the family.
Denise Robinson Bynum
Sunday, November 23, 2025
Kenny and I are saddened to hear about Chris's passing. Telicia, Chris Jr, Rosalee and the rest of the family, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you🙏❤️
We love you all!
James n Donna Cox
Sunday, November 23, 2025
Telicia so sorry for your n your families loss. Prayers for comfort and healing.
Caryl & Don Thompson
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Telicia, Chris, and Aaron, we are thinking of all of you and the fun our families had together while you guys were growing up. There are many memories from boating and skiing to playing cards to Whitewater and camping. You and your dad (& mom) are forever a part of our history too and we hope you find peace in knowing he had a life well lived. Hope to hug your necks next weekend. Love, Don & Caryl
Mike and Dianna Roller
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Rest in peace.
With sympathy to all the Wade family.
Mike and Diana Roller
Elsie M Lowry
Friday, November 21, 2025
I am deeply saddened to hear about your loss, Telicia, Richard, Landon, and Logan. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the rest of his family and friends. May he rest in peace with our Lord.
Dale & Catherine Butler
Friday, November 21, 2025
To daughterTalisha, son CJ and son Aaron, your father stood tall among the oaks, stood strong against the storms and had a heart as big as the mountains that surround him. To mom Rosalee and stepmom Di, a rare sunbeam warmed your life for a time much too short. The light may be out but the warmth will remain forever. I will miss my KA brother Chris.
Paul and Susan Johnson
Friday, November 21, 2025
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Chris. We have many fond memories throughout the years and he will be greatly missed.praying for the family during this difficult time.