Mr. Grady O’Neal “Neal” McDade, age 83, husband of Joyce Trammel McDade, of 234 Harwood Heights, Union, passed away, Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.

Mr. McDade was born on September 13, 1942, in Union, a son of the late Oliver McDade and Mildred Melton McDade. He was a graduate of Union High School and was formerly employed by the City of Union as a Public Safety Officer.

Mr. McDade proudly served his country in the United States Army, including service in Vietnam. He later served in the South Carolina National Guard with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry, based at the General Harry M. Arthur Armory in Union. During his service with the National Guard, he was also stationed at the armories in Whitmire, Newberry, and Winnsboro, where he served as a Supply Sergeant.

A devoted man of faith, Mr. McDade was a member of the former Westside Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon and youth minister. He later became an active member of New Life Baptist Church, serving as an RA Leader.

Mr. McDade was a member of American Legion Post 22 and the South Carolina High School League, where he served as an athletic official for many years. He was affectionately known throughout the community as the "Ice Cream Man." Above all, Mr. McDade loved his family immeasurably.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two children, Julie McDade Bennette of Union and Michael McDade and wife DeeDee of Union’ a brother, Bruce McDade and wife Pat of Columbia; a sister Carol Lloyd of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; eight grandchildren, Josh Jennings (Brittany), Amber Jennings (Bryan), Cody McDade (Courtney), Nikki Lowe (Zach), Reid McDade (Kaitlyn), Alex Fuller, Peyton Threadgill (Morgan), and Evan Threadgill; ten great-grandchildren, Jayden Jennings, Kaylee Lawson, Chloe Gardin, Hunter Jennings, Alexis Jennings, Brittany Henderson (Thirdd), Nathan Gardin (Jasmine), Kylie Fleming, Emma Fleming, and Charlie Threadgill; three great-great-granddaughters, Blakeley Gardin, Baylee Gardin, and Riley Kate Henderson; three sisters-in-law, Rosa McDade Estes, Sandy McDade, and Pat McDade; and two brothers-in-law, Terry Trammel and Steve Trammel and wife Debbie; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Elizabeth and Grady Melton; and two brothers, O. Wilton McDade and Benny McDade.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM, Friday, August 7, 2026 at New Life Baptist Church conducted by the Rev. Shannon Faulkner, Rev. Todd Davis, Rev. Dr. Ron Culbertson and Rev. Scott Cobb. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Union Memorial Gardens.

Active pallbearers will be Cody McDade, Reid McDade, Jayden Jennings, Hunter Jennings, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Greg McDade, and Kevin O’Neal McDade. The following are asked to sit in a group and form the honorary escort, Dr. Henry Shugart and the staff of Gentiva Hospice, Deana Raines, former co-workers from the South Carolina National Guard, and former co-workers from the City of Union Public Safety.

Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses and staff of Gentiva Hospice, Janet Edge, Rev. Norman Band, Savannah Cannon, caregiver Deana Raines and Dr. Henry Shugart for their love and care of Mr. McDade during his illness.

Memorials may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 101 North Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302, or to Meals On Wheels of Union, P.O. Box 951, Union, SC 29379, or to New Life Baptist Church, C/O the Building Fund, 502 Meansville Road, Union, SC 29379.

The family is at the home, 234 Harwood Heights, Union, SC 29379.