Wade Raymond Conklin, III

Wade Raymond Conklin III, 82, passed away surrounded by his family on December 26, 2025. A Nashville native, Wade attended the former West End High School. After graduating from West End, he attended Austin Peay State University before embarking on a highly successful career in the music industry.

Wade was a pioneer who influenced the movement of bringing new genres of music to Nashville. He began his career in the music industry with Buddha Records eventually becoming Vice President and serving as the head of the Nashville office. He also served as Vice President of Casablanca Records and PolyGram Records before starting his own publishing company, Life’s A Pitch and Split Publishing. In its first year, the company celebrated a major milestone by winning ASCAP Song of the Year for “One Night at a Time,” recorded by George Strait. Wade also played an integral role in the creation and naming of the Volunteer Jam.

Wade had many stories to share, and he could effortlessly shift from being the life of the party to the quietest person in the room, as he was an exceptional listener. He was known for his warm smile, big hugs, and infectious laughter.

“Dad, I am glad I was able to give you one last ‘Incoming!’—our final hug.”

Wade was preceded in death by his mother, Otis Eulene Sullivan Conklin, and his father, Wade Raymond Conklin Jr. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; his son, Will; his daughter, Wendy Hardaway; and his granddaughter, Jade Hardaway.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 2, at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home from 6:00–8:00 p.m. A private burial service will take place Saturday, January 3, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Paul Christian Academy, MusiCares, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.