Prominent Charlotte LGBTQ+ Leader Quandrico Rutledge-Wade Dies Unexpectedly

Community mourns the loss of a fraternity founder, faith leader, and advocate for marginalized groups

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Quandrico Rutledge-Wade, a 50-year-old prominent member of the Charlotte LGBTQ+ community, was found deceased at his home in Lancaster, South Carolina on January 29. Rutledge-Wade was a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, a minister, and a founder of the first gay fraternity Gamma Mu Phi. He was deeply involved in ballroom culture, Pride events, and mentoring young LGBTQ+ individuals. Friends and community members are mourning the loss of a beacon of light who fought for the rights of marginalized groups.

Why it matters

Rutledge-Wade's passing is a significant loss for the Charlotte LGBTQ+ community, as he was a pioneering leader and advocate who worked to create inclusive spaces and support systems for queer individuals, especially those of color. His death highlights the fragility of life and the importance of uplifting marginalized voices.

The details

According to friends, Rutledge-Wade was receiving treatment for seizures and a heart condition, although no official cause of death has been released. He was known for his work with the Charlotte-based Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, his role as a minister, and as a founder of Gamma Mu Phi, the first gay fraternity. Rutledge-Wade was also deeply involved in ballroom culture, Pride events, and mentoring young LGBTQ+ individuals, promoting self-love and fighting for the rights of marginalized groups.

  • Rutledge-Wade was found deceased at his home in Lancaster, South Carolina on January 29, 2026.
  • A funeral service for Rutledge-Wade will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 2 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home Chapel in Lancaster, South Carolina.
  • Visitation will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home in Lancaster, South Carolina.

The players

Quandrico Rutledge-Wade

A 50-year-old prominent member of the Charlotte LGBTQ+ community who was a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, a minister, and a founder of the first gay fraternity Gamma Mu Phi.

Jermaine Nakia Lee

Rutledge-Wade's longtime friend and fraternity brother who worked with him to create Gamma Mu Phi's first group of founders in the early 2000s.

Ra'Shawn Flournoy

An individual who shared praise for Rutledge-Wade's accomplishments and remorse for his loss on social media, noting that he was a founding member and part of the early journey of ReBirth Cathedral Of Praise.

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What they’re saying

“He wasn't afraid to challenge ignorance. He fought for everyone's rights, regardless of friendships.”

— Jermaine Nakia Lee, Fraternity Brother (qnotescarolinas.com)

“Quan was very outspoken, very funny … wonderful sense of humor.”

— Jermaine Nakia Lee, Fraternity Brother (qnotescarolinas.com)

“I'm still trying to process it. I literally just spoke with him. We talked, we planned, and he had even applied to serve on our Board of Directors at Quality [Comprehensive Health Care]. To go from conversation to loss so quickly is a painful reminder of how fragile life is.”

— Ra'Shawn Flournoy (qnotescarolinas.com)

What’s next

Rutledge-Wade's funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 2 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home Chapel in Lancaster, South Carolina.

The takeaway

Rutledge-Wade's passing is a significant loss for the Charlotte LGBTQ+ community, as he was a pioneering leader and advocate who worked tirelessly to create inclusive spaces and support systems for queer individuals, especially those of color. His legacy as a beacon of light and champion for marginalized groups will continue to inspire and guide the community he served.