Wade Radford

Wade was born on July 17th, 1935, to Wade Evans Radford and Mary Kate Burgess Radford in Spindale, NC. After graduating high school, he attended Coyne Electrical School in Chicago. He joined the Army in 1954 as a member of the Signal Corps, and his service included one year in West Germany. He completed his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at NC State in 1961. After graduating with honors, Wade went to work at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), in Laurel, MD, beginning a 45-year career whose efforts spanned a wide range of areas including space exploration and biomedical innovation. Noteworthy achievements include contributions to the development of the implantable heart pacemaker, implantable insulin pump, and New Horizons mission to Pluto.

Wade married Frances Elizabeth Poole in 1965 in Salem, VA. They had one son, Richard, in 1968.

In 2007, Wade retired from APL and spent his time supporting his family, his church as an elder and Sunday School teacher, and his community as a board member of the Laurel Pregnancy Center and Bible study leader at Heartlands Senior Living Village.

Wade is survived by his wife of 60 years, Frances, son Richard, daughter-in-law Janel, grandchildren Madison and Andrew, sister Elaine Hardin (Wayne), brother Stephen (Hattie), nephew Dale Hardin, niece Stephanie Edwards, and cousin Rodney Schwartz.

Wade’s faith in Christ was central to who he was and how he lived. He was grateful to God, who turned his life around as a wayward young man. God changed Wade, and everyone who knew him could testify to his gentle and humble spirit. Many looked to him for sound spiritual insight and wisdom throughout the years. Wade was well-loved and will be greatly missed.

Services will be held at Community Bible Church, 13240 Route 108, Highland, MD on January 18th at 10 am (viewing) and 11 am (service), followed by a time of fellowship with light fare.