LANCASTER, SC::::: Distinguished Professor Emeritus L. Wade Chittam, seventy two, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2016 at the home of his son in Lexington, SC. Wade Chittam, forty-one year chemistry professor at the University of South Carolina-Lancaster, advised, inspired and entertained science majors in the laid-back Wade Chittam style that earned him numerous awards during his profession. Wade was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year by vote of the students numerous times. Upon his retirement, the honor of Distinguished Professor Emeritus was conferred upon him by the Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina. While helping mold the lives of many professionals from Lancaster and surrounding areas, he touched the lives of many. All who knew him enjoyed his daily banter, smiles, and genuine love of everyone he met. Past students have consistently maintained contact with him through the years. The Wade Chittam Science Scholarship was established and endowed in 2011 in honor of Professor Chittams service to the University of South Carolina.

Professor Chittam was born April 16, 1944 in Limestone County, Alabama to the late Jefferson Cortez Chittam and Mary Odell Bridges Chittam and is the husband of Angela Gardner Chittam. He graduated from Athens College in Athens, Alabama and received his Masters Degree in chemistry and mathematics from Appalachian State University. He began his career at the University of South Carolina-Lancaster as a chemistry instructor on September 17, 1968 and remained there until his retirement.

An avid sports fan, his most cherished passion was his involvement in his childrens various sports endeavors. He was an active member of the Lancaster SERTOMA Club.

Professor Chittam is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Angie Chittam; a son, Dr. Adam Chittam and his wife, Dr. Heather Chittam; and their children, Gardner Wade Chittam and Elizabeth Reese Chittam; a daughter, Nicole Chittam of Greenville, SC; two brothers, Hubert Chittam and his wife Judy and Randolph Chittam and his wife Wynette both of Athens, AL; and two sisters, Billie Clem of Athens, AL and Joyce Moffitt and her husband, Jim of Huntsville, AL.

The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Professor Chittam will be held at 12 noon Friday, October 7, 2016 at the University of South Carolina Lancaster Bundy Auditorium. Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.

The Family will receive friends from 4:00 7:00 pm Thursday evening, October 6, 2016 at Burgess Funeral Home and suggest memorial contributions be made to The Wade Chittam Science Scholarship, USC Lancaster, PO Box 889, Lancaster SC 29721.