Wade Cashaw

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

2 Timothy 4:7

Wade Cashaw lived a life defined by faith, family, hard work, and quiet strength. A devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, faithful servant of God, and friend to all, he left an indelible mark on every life he touched. Some lives are measured by accomplishments, while others are measured by the love they leave behind. Wade's life was measured by both.

On Friday, July 10, 2026, God called His faithful servant home to eternal rest. Though our hearts grieve his absence, we rejoice in knowing that he has entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, where he now rests in perfect peace.

Wade Cashaw was born on May 11, 1950, in Furman, Alabama, to the late Virginia Carter Cashow and Buster Cashow, Sr. He later made Saginaw, Michigan his home, where he built a life defined by faith, humility, hard work, and an unwavering love for his family.

Wade attended Snow Hill Institute and believed that honest work was honorable work. He faithfully served as a line coordinator with Delphi Automotive, formerly Saginaw Steering Gear, where he earned the respect of coworkers through his dependability, integrity, and quiet leadership. Providing for his family was not simply his responsibility—it was one of his greatest joys.

Wade was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Amanda Brown Cashaw. Together they shared 48 beautiful years of marriage, building a home rooted in love, faith, laughter, and devotion. Through every season of life, they stood beside one another, creating a legacy that will continue through generations. Their enduring love was a beautiful testament to commitment, partnership, and God's grace.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Wade faithfully served for many years under the leadership of his father-in-love, the late Pastor Emeritus Ernest L. Brown, at United Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as both a Trustee and an Usher. Whether welcoming worshippers at the door or serving behind the scenes, Wade believed serving God's people was one of life's greatest privileges. Later in life, he continued his faith journey as a member of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, remaining steadfast in his love for the Lord and His people.

If you knew Wade Cashaw, you knew two things without question: he loved the Lord, and he loved his family. Everything else in his life flowed from those two unwavering commitments. He believed family was God's greatest earthly blessing, and he lived each day making sure those he loved knew they were cherished.

Family was the center of Wade's world. No matter how busy life became, he faithfully made his nightly phone calls to check on his children and loved ones, making sure everyone was safe, doing well, and knew they were loved. It was one of the many ways he quietly demonstrated his unwavering devotion.

He also found great joy in traveling with his beloved wife, working in his yard, and bringing family together over his delicious barbecue and signature fried corn. While every member of his family held a special place in his heart, his youngest grandchildren, Paige and Ezekiel (E.J.) Dolley, brought him immeasurable happiness. Whether attending their activities, sharing stories, offering encouragement, or simply enjoying their company, those moments filled his heart with joy.

To his family, he was affectionately known as the "Gentle Giant." He never met a stranger. His warm smile, infectious laugh, gentle spirit, and compassionate heart made everyone feel welcomed. He loved the Lord, possessed a generous heart, and never hesitated to help anyone in need. Wade was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, faithful provider, and steadfast protector whose quiet strength spoke louder than words ever could.

One thing was certain—if you spent even a few minutes talking with Wade, it would not be long before he began telling you about his family. Their accomplishments became his accomplishments, and their happiness became his joy. His greatest earthly treasure was the family God entrusted to his care, and he celebrated each of them with unmistakable pride.

Wade leaves to forever cherish his precious memory his devoted wife of 48 years, Amanda Brown Cashaw; his children, Dr. Terri Johnson Prude (Wendell), Minister Troy Johnson (Charlene), Ronda Johnson (Clifford), and his beloved baby girl, Tiffany Dolley (Akili); his cherished grandchildren, Corielle Johnson, DeAngela Baker, DeAndre Johnson, Bryant Brown, LaToya Becks, Tede Johnson, Deontae Pressley, Amanda McClendon, Janai McClendon, Leah LaVerdiere, Lauren Gomez, Paige Dolley, and Ezekiel (E.J.) Dolley; his siblings, Eddie Mae Rance, Mary Cashow, and Buster Cashaw, Jr.; two sisters-in-law, Cosetta Henley and Jacqueline (James) Thomas; his lifelong friends, Thomas Darby, Mack King, and James Jones; along with a host of beloved great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends.

Wade was welcomed into eternal rest by his parents, Virginia Carter Cashow and Buster Cashow, Sr.; his beloved daughter, Deborah Davis; his brother, John Cashow; his mother-in-love, Ethel Mae Brown; and his father-in-love, Pastor Emeritus Ernest L. Brown.

Wade's life reminds us that true success is not measured by wealth or titles, but by faith, love, and the lives we touch along the way. He believed family was God's greatest earthly blessing, and he spent his life making sure those he loved never questioned how much they meant to him. His work here is finished, but the love he poured into his family, his church, and his community will continue for generations.

Truly, his was a life well lived.

The Cashaw family extends their heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has surrounded them with prayers, love, encouragement, and acts of kindness during this season of bereavement. Your compassion has provided strength, comfort, and peace beyond measure. May God richly bless each of you for the love you have shown.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

Matthew 25:23