William Wade

William Taylor Wade Sr., 84, of Chattanooga, passed away Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, in a local health care facility. A lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area, he was born on June 2, 1926, and grew up quickly to become the "man of the house" at the age of 14. His first job was selling dry goods at Engle Stadium where his love for baseball would flourish. At a young age, he also worked in a sales job to help support his family. He was a graduate of the McCallie School and then enrolled in the Merchant Marine Academy. He was also a Veteran of W.W. II and Korea serving in the U.S. Navy and was retired from Mobil Oil Company. After retirement he worked in the UTC Bookstore for 10 years. Bill would spend his summers in Virginia Beach so his family could come and visit him. He would always make time to take his family on educational vacations such as Cape Canaveral, the Washington ZOO and the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. While working on oil tankers with Mobil Oil, his life was spent at sea where he was able to visit other countries such as Japan, Russia and Australia. He navigated the open seas by being directed by the stars in the sky. Mr. Wade always enjoyed talking about Astronomy and getting a chance to look up at the stars. Some of his other loves in life were fishing, watching Braves baseball, animals and church activities. Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Delma Wade; two daughters, Beverly (William) Fritts, Ringgold, Ga., Barbara (Jeff) Hall, Rock Spring, Ga.; two sons, Robert T. (Wendy) Wade, Chattanooga and William T. (Kim) Wade, Harrison, Tenn.; nine grandchildren, Adam and his wife, Alison, Taylor, Hunter, Kyle, Kaitlynn, Sarah, Sammy, Kacie and Stephen; brother, Thomas Q. Wade, Chattanooga; and his animal companion and best friend, Nickki. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at National Cemetery with the Rev. Carl Miller officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Kitchen. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road. Please share your thoughts and memories online at chattanoogaeastchapel.com