Remembering Clinton “Wade” Hargrave

Last updated: October 1, 2026

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Clinton “Wade” Hargrave was born on March 8, 1975. He passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at the age of 51.

Hargrave went to Tallulah Academy where he played football and was a part of the State Championship Team in 1992, and he was a member of the Tallulah Academy Golf Team.

Throughout the years, he enjoyed watching his children participate in their multiple sports and activities in school. Whether it was watching Clint play football and baseball or Ginny Claire play softball and basketball, he was beaming with pride, and always glad to brag on them when given the chance.

One of his greatest blessings came this year, on April 21, 2026. His first grandchild (and namesake) was born – Lila Wade Hargrave. There are not enough words to describe the pride he had when he found out she would be named after him. Since he was already known as “Big Wade” to just about everyone, it was only fitting that his “grandpa name” be Big Wade.

He was a man with a personality as big as his name. He was strong-willed, smart, hardworking, fiercely loyal, and unapologetically himself. You rarely had to wonder what Wade was thinking—he was usually more than happy to tell you. He could be stubborn and opinionated, but underneath that strong exterior was a man with an enormous heart. If you needed him, he came, and he always had your back.

He was a man of the land and the sky. Agriculture wasn’t simply his occupation; it was a way of life. As a farmer, he understood the value of hard work, long days, perseverance, and faith in what tomorrow might bring. As an agricultural pilot, he spent countless hours above the fields he knew so well, doing work that required skill, courage, instinct, and a steady hand. He was intelligent and sharp-minded, with a natural ability for business and a work ethic that helped him build a life and legacy of which his family could be proud.

His desire to serve and protect others also led him to work as a reserve deputy with the Sheriff’s Office. It suited him well. Wade was the kind of man who believed in standing up for people, helping when help was needed, and taking care of his community.

When he wasn’t working, one of his greatest pleasures was deer hunting. He loved the outdoors, the quiet of the woods, the anticipation of a hunt, and undoubtedly the stories and fellowship that came along with it. And then there was Fantasy Football. He enjoyed the leagues he participated in – to the fullest. The void of his presence will be felt by his friends in these leagues he loved so much.

But for all the things he accomplished during his life, his greatest titles were the ones that couldn’t be printed on a business card: husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He loved his family deeply. His love may not always have come wrapped in soft words—he had his own way of doing things—but it was steadfast, protective, and true. He wanted the best for the people he loved, and he would do whatever was within his power to take care of them.

He was the kind of man whose presence filled a room, whose opinions could start a lively conversation, whose stories could make people laugh, and whose absence will be felt in ways both large and small.

May the fields always be green, the skies always be clear, the woods always be peaceful, and may Big Wade’s memory live on in every story told by those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his father Max Smith, his maternal grandparents, Joe and Bette Clark, his paternal grandparents, Clarence Jerome “Tant” and Zula Smith, and Eddie and Eva Hargrave.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Cindy B. Hargrave, his son Clint Hargrave (Maury), his daughter Ginny Claire Hargrave, his granddaughter, Lila Wade Hargrave, his mother Rita Hargrave, his father Eddie Hargrave (Martha), his brother Chad Hargrave (Lisa) and their son, Max, his father in law, Jim Brown (Diane), numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Pallbearers will be Sheriff Chad Ezell, Major Brian Cleveland, Curt Collins, Ryan Hodge, Chris McDonald, District Attorney Edwin Moberley, Arch Yerger, Tandon Baker, Ryan Baker, and Clark Hill. Honorary pallbearers will be Tallulah Academy Class of 1993, Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office, and all members of Wade’s Fantasy Football Leagues.