Earle Thomas Wadford

Earle Thomas Wadford, 71, the cherished patriarch of the Wadford family, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Summerville, South Carolina.

Born on September 21, 1955, in Charleston, South Carolina, Earle was the beloved son of the late Thomas Wadford and Eva Wadford (Bivens). He graduated from Berkeley High School before answering the call to serve his country, embarking on a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Army. Following his military retirement, Earle returned home to his family community. A talented builder and provider, one of his greatest projects of love was constructing a family home alongside his son, DJ, his brother, Michael Grubbs, and multiple family members and cousins. He later took immense pride in providing a large, beautiful wedding celebration for his son and daughter-in-law.

An avid outdoorsman and adventurer, Earle loved hunting with his brother, fishing with his family, and riding motorcycles alongside Roberta Neighbors, his devoted partner of two decades. Among his many adventures, a special motorcycle trip to Sturgis, North Dakota, remained a favorite memory that he shared often. Above all, Earle excelled in his favorite role: being a family man. He treasured every moment watching his family grow, and his grandchildren were truly the apple of his eye.

Earle is survived by his loving partner, Roberta Neighbors; his children, Dwayne "DJ" Wadford (Elinore), Rebecca Norton (Sean), and Michael Wadford (Rachel); and his best friend and brother, Michael Grubbs (Jean). He leaves behind a lasting legacy through his eight grandchildren, who were his absolute pride and joy: Turner, Joshua, Ella, Abby, Woodrow, Caroline, Harper, and Kale. He is also fondly remembered by his previous wives, Barbara and Gale, who always held a special place in his memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Eva Wadford; his brother, Carl; and his sisters: Ruby Binnarr, Gracie Wadford, and Olive Stanley.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home in Goose Creek.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.