Wade Wilkins Swink II

It is with great sadness the family of Wade W. Swink, Jr. announce his sudden passing on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at the age of 77. Wade was born in Orangeburg, SC in 1944 to Wade W. Swink, Sr. and Virginia Diehl Swink. He received both a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a MS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of South Carolina and while attending UofSC, Wade met the love of his life and best friend, Patricia Coffey. They would marry in 1971. Always the patriot, Wade served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971. His service included a wartime deployment to Vietnam. Wade was an Aerospace Engineer at the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate located on Fort Eustis. He specialized in subsystems to provide ballistic protection to aircrew and troops in Army helicopters engaged in military operations in the Middle East and elsewhere. He invented and developed a ballistic tolerant floor system for the Blackhawk helicopter cargo/troop area that undoubtedly saved many troops when these aircraft came under fire during Operation Desert Storm and other actions. Wade and Patty loved to travel. Their cross-country RV trips are the stuff of legend. A committed cyclist, Wade shared his passion with literally hundreds of people he never met. Wade would refurbish and give away bikes to those less fortunate. It was the Christian thing to do. He loved classical music, a good read, and a competitive game of bridge with his friends. He lived a committed Christian life. If you needed an opinion, he had one. If you needed a friend, he was one. If you needed helping hand, he lent one. He was a very good man. Wade will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Patty; son, Wil and daughter-in-law Antonia; and his sister, Ginny. A celebration of his life well lived, will be held September 25, 2021, at 10 AM, at Kingsmill Plantation, Williamsburg, Virginia. Online condolences may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.