Luther Irwin Wade III

Beloved Educator and Devoted Family Man

Luther Irwin Wade III, Ph.D., a dedicated educator and long-time member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, passed away peacefully in Concord, NC, on October 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

Luther loved music, theater, history, and travel—promoting all four throughout his life as a performer, director, teacher, and leader. A proud alumnus of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, he earned his Ph.D. there and began a lifelong journey in higher education.

Luther enjoyed a distinguished academic career, serving as a professor at Southeastern Louisiana University, where he also directed the Honors Program and International Affairs before being named Department Head of Speech and Theatre. After retiring from SLU, he continued sharing his passion for the arts as Chair of the Performing Arts Department at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he inspired and mentored countless students.

A devoted member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Luther taught Sunday School for many years, focusing on church history and theology. His love of history extended into retirement, where he taught and lectured at the Shepherd’s Center, local retirement communities, and various churches—dedicating his time to lifelong learning and enrichment for others.

Luther’s passion for the arts and travel remained constant. For more than four decades, he organized and led educational trips abroad, creating cherished memories for students, families, and retirees alike. He also produced Viva Voce for WDAV, sharing his love of music with listeners across the Carolinas.

Luther is survived by his loving wife, Marylyn S. Wade; his son, Brian Wade; daughter-in-law, Mandy Wade; and his beloved grandchildren, Madelyn, Lily, Devin, and Aidan.

A service to celebrate Luther’s life will be held at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, November 15 at 10 a.m., followed by a British tea reception in the parish hall in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice in Luther’s memory.