Wilfred Lee Wade

On May 1, 2025, Wilfred Lee Wade, age 88, of Jacksonville, FL, went home to be with his Lord and Savior. He leaves behind his wife of 69 years, Barbara Ann Wade, their two daughters: Katherine (Brad) Wade Chasteen and Donna (Pete) Wade Okon, as well as grandsons: Cody, Jordan (Jordan) and Dawson Chasteen, and granddaughter Claire Okon.

Born in Buchanan County, Virginia, on October 13, 1936, Wilfred was the sixth of eight children born to Lucy and Roy Wade; brothers: Aubrey, Emory, James and Stuart and sisters: Mary, Xenna and Sue, all preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter Rachel Okon, who is celebrating their heavenly reunion.

Professionally, Wilfred honorably served two years stateside in the US Army, before serving as grocery manager at A&P and other Washington DC grocers. He additionally managed the military commissary route for Schmidt's Bakery. He retired as an environmental inspector for the state of Maryland. Whatever job Wilfred undertook, he did so with extreme professionalism, ethics and pride.

Despite working long, taxing hours, Wilfred prioritized time and experiences with his daughters through their sports, games and academics. His legacy is an enduring faith, loyalty to family, common-sense wisdom, and -- above all -- wit and positivity.

Wilfred exuded joy, and had a beautiful smile that spread to his eyes. Wilfred truly never had a bad word to speak of anyone, and likewise, it seems that all who met him fell under his humble charm. In his retirement years, Wilfred enjoyed actively serving his church, as luncheon cook and greeter, walking daily and was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins, most of all, he loved spending time with his family. All of his grandchildren remember him with extreme fondness and miss his humor and wisdom. Even in his final weeks, Wilfred continued to charm the nursing staff, flirt with his wife, and smile through the pain he was enduring.

Wilfred's life will be celebrated at Anastasia Baptist Church, 1650 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL on Friday, June 20th, 2025 at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.