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A former Ferriday High School basketball player tells a story about his time with Coach Cade. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

Dr. Serelda Herbin sings "The World's Greatest" by R. Kelly to former Coach Robert Cade. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

A crowd showed up at Ferriday High School Saturday afternoon to honor former Coach Robert Cade. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

Dr. Serelda Herbin sings to former Coach Robert Cade at the gym naming ceremony Saturday, as Cade's daughter, Robbie Furdge, videos the event. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

Former Coach Robert Cade is surrounded by former players who made the trip back to Ferriday Saturday to see the school's gymnasium be named after Cade. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

Former Ferriday basketball player Paul Swanson tells a story about playing basketball for Coach Cade. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

Dr. Fred Butcher, former Ferriday High School principal, thanks Dr. Betty Cade for her part in helping to lead former Ferriday basketball players. (Jan Griffey | The Natchez Democrat)

FERRIDAY, La. — On Saturday, in front of dozens of former players, teachers, band members, family, and friends, the Ferriday High School gymnasium was named the Robert L. Cade Gymnasium.

The beloved coach, mentor and friend was showered with thank yous and stories from the “old days.”

Former Ferriday High School Principal Fred Butcher, today’s vice president of the Concordia Parish School Board, said he took a risk by hiring Cade in 1984. The legendary basketball coach went on to win back-to-back state championships in 1987-1988 and 1988-1989.

“It turned out to be the best decision I ever made,” Butcher said at the Saturday ceremony.

Cade’s coaching career began as a wide receivers coach at Alcorn State University. From there, he coached football at Waterproof (Louisiana) High School. Cade is said to have restored that school’s football program.

He went on to coach football and basketball at Delta High School in Mer Rouge, Louisiana, before coaching at Ferriday High School. Later, Cade coached football and basketball and was athletic director at Natchez High School.

Cade left coaching, went into the ministry, and is Bishop of the Word of Faith Ambassadors Center in Natchez and Ferriday.

Cade’s former players thanked him and his wife, Dr. Betty Cade, for embracing them, welcoming them into their homes, refining their basketball skills, and teaching them to be men.

The Cades are the parents of four children: Deidra Robb (Charles), Shawn Davis (Brandy), Pastor Derrick Davis (Gracie), and Dr. Robbie Furdge (Dr. Maurice). They have eight grandchildren.

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