Wade Hampton Tyner, Jr., entered the Church Triumphant on February 24, 2017 after years of declining health. Wade is survived by his wife of 42 years, Bradine Lail Tyner; his son, David H. Tyner and his wife, Karen M. Tyner, of Spartanburg, S.C.; daughter, E. Kyle Tyner and her husband, Mike Tucker, of Statesville; step-son Kevin Queen and his wife Anne Pipkin of Charlotte; Kevin's children, Lauren and Lance Queen of Charlotte; brother, Fred Tyner (Betty) of Raleigh; sisters Shirley Tyner Frank of Rock Hill, S.C. and Jane Tyner Richardson (Bill) of Banner Elk, N. C. and numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Wade H. Tyner and Margaret Humphrey Tyner, and brother-in-law Jack M. Frank.

Wade was born in Pembroke, North Carolina, on August 12, 1932, and moved to Shelby, N.C. with his family in 1945. After one year at Shelby High School, Wade entered Oak Ridge Military Academy where he succeeded in the disciplined, spit-shined environment. His achievements on the drilling field were matched only by his wins on the tennis team. After graduating from Oak Ridge in 1951, Wade's plan to study at Gardner Webb was thwarted by the Korean War and he spent four years as an air traffic controller with the U.S. Air Force. From Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, S.C. to Skulthorpe in England, he guided planes to safe landings with his calm and steady demeanor, and was credited with official saves of planes and lives.

After being honorably discharged, Wade returned to Shelby and became sales manager and then general manager at Young Motor Sales where he worked from 1957 until 1970. Wade grew up in and loved the car business: his grandfather founded a Ford dealership in 1925, and his father was also in the business, owning Shelby's Kiser, Frazier, Packard dealership. Having his own car business was always Wade's goal. That dream became reality when he purchased the Ford dealership in Kings Mountain in 1970. Armed with years of experience and confidence in his knowledge of the business and ability to succeed, he did just that. For over 35 years, Wade Ford was a place where honesty, integrity and a genuine desire to serve others were the guiding principals of every "trade with Wade."

Wade was known by all as "a nice guy." His professional success never changed his perspective on life or his treatment of people---Wade was forever kind, generous, humble and positive. Always smiling and easy-going, Wade enjoyed life and was genuinely interested in everyone he met on and off the car lot.

He delighted in being on the water whether he was boating, bird hunting or water-skiing. It was not unusual to see him buzzing the shores of Moss Lake on his jet ski after a long day on the car lot or teaching someone to ski. Traveling and capturing his experiences with a camera and well-honed eye for a great picture were sources of tremendous pleasure for him, too. A man of integrity and faith, Wade embodied biblical morals and values and extended himself and his resources generously to others. The impact of his leadership and faithful service in countless organizations can be measured not just by bricks and mortar but also by changed lives and communities. Wade volunteered his time and enthusiastically served the following organizations: Hospice Cleveland County (board member and finance committee;) Kings Mountain Rotary Club (past president and Paul Harris Fellow;) First Baptist Church, Kings Mountain (Building Fund Chairman;) Kings Mountain Chamber of Commerce (past president and board member;) Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce - Board Member, charter member and past president, Shelby Civitan Club; member, advisory boards of Salvation Army, Cleveland County Museum, Cleveland Community College; board member, Home Federal Savings and Loan, and OMI Capital Bank; and president, Pinnacle Homeowners Association (North Myrtle Beach.)

While devoted to his community, Wade was also energetically investing in his vocation. He was active in the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association for over 30 years and was a past president and board member of the 700+ dealer association. His profession recognized his national and state service and success with numerous awards including Ford's Distinguished Achievement Award (10 times), the highest honor bestowed by Ford Motor Company; the North Carolina Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award, 1993; and various trips, rewards and a room full of plaques.

A service to celebrate the life and legacy of his life will be held on Monday, February 27th at First Baptist Church, 605 West King Street, Kings Mountain, NC. The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:45 pm, preceding the service at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow with full military honors provided by the Foothills Detachment Marine Corp League at Allen Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery in Grover, NC. With deep gratitude, the family acknowledges the staff at Testa Hospice House for their tender care for Wade during his final days and asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

Harris Funeral Home in Kings Mountain is serving the family.