Zachariah Wade

Zachariah Michael Wade, 17, played his final song on January 14th, 2020.

Born to parents Jeremy and Kelly Wade on June 6th 2002, Zachariah spent his life growing up in Ocoee and Winter Garden. He attended Citrus Elementary and Bridgewater Middle School, before going on to attend Windermere High School. His academic achievements were numerous, and he was able to complete his first year of college before graduating high school by taking multiple Advanced Placement classes and attending Valencia College as a dual-enrollment student. His academic aptitude led him to become a National Merit Finalist, an opportunity only given to those students who score in the top 1% on the PSAT.

Zachariah’s intelligence was not his only blessing, however. Zachary was a talented clarinetist and pianist who loved bringing people joy through his music. He was an integral part of the Windermere High School Marching Band, where he led the clarinet section as first chair, and the Tri-M organization at his school. His natural musical aptitude led him to receive many Superior ratings for both his ensemble and solo performances. In addition to his participation in both the clarinet and mega clarinet choirs, he was invited to play with the Florida Symphonic Youth Orchestra, as well as the All-County and All-State Bands. He also had the chance to play with the Frost Honor Band at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, an opportunity only given to 260 students in the entire state.

Zachariah was also a Life Scout and PADI certified scuba diver who loved camping and the outdoors, as well as thrill rides and video games.

Zachariah is survived by a large, loving family, including his parents, Jeremy and Kelly Wade; siblings Cassidy, Andrew, and Meredith Wade; grandparents, Wendy Rawls and Connie and Michael Wade; aunts and uncles Albert and Julie Tapia-Ruano, Amy and Michael Fernandez, and Gabriel and Ginger Hamlett; as well as  cousins Stephen (Sara), Kristen (Jay), Kaitlyn, Hannah, Daniel, Paige, Nicholas, Michael, Joshua, Grace, Grant, Gavin, and Giselle. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Frank Ernest Rawls Junior.

Zachariah touched countless lives with his music and kind soul. He will be missed more than words can describe.