Harold Stuart Wade

Harold Stuart Wade, 72, came into the world on November 28, 1948 in South Boston, Virginia. Throughout Harold’s life, he was known to be something of a jokester, with a love for music, a love for his dogs and family, a love for the Duke Blue Devils, but most of all, a love for his wife, Cheryle. He was a passionate man with many strong friendships that lasted for decades, but the friendship that mattered most to him, would have been the one that he shared with his bride and wife of over 40 years, Cheryle. Harold left this world, his wife and loved ones on Tuesday, September 7th, surrounded by those he loved.

After growing up in South Boston, Virginia, Harold began the next step of his life in Wilson, North Carolina, attending school at Atlantic Christian College. There, he was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi, and graduated with a degree in English. After a few years of teaching, he moved to the tech industry, working for companies like Plastron and Teledyne Thermatics in Wilson. It was there in Wilson that Harold would reconnect with the woman who became the love of his life, Cheryle Clark, and they would be married in 1981.

In the late 80s, the Wades began to feel the “lure” of Wilmington, North Carolina, and thus began the next chapter of their lives. After moving to Wilmington in 1989, Harold worked for Training Systems Incorporated, before joining the team at Corning, where he would work until retirement. As a 30+ year resident of Wilmington, Harold forged community in his church at St. Paul’s Episcopal, in his neighborhood, and in the minds of those he spoke and interacted with. Harold was an intellect, but a man of the people, as equally at home at a poetry slam, as he would be in a paper mill.

Harold is survived by his wife of 40 years, Cheryle Wade, his son, James Evan Wade, his sister, Elinor Owen, two grandsons, Carson and Mason Wade, his niece and god-daughter, Marianne Dickens, his beloved Boston Terrier, Roxy, and many other loved ones and family. Harold was predeceased by his father, Alfred Wade, his mother, Ruby Hodnett Wade, and his daughter, Jordan Elizabeth Wade.

A memorial service celebrating Harold’s life will be held Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 1 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wilmington. There will be a graveside service on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Evergreen Memorial Park in Wilson at 1 p.m. Visitation will be held at Thomas-Yelverton Funeral Home one hour prior to the service from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, or to an animal rescue of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.thomasyelverton.com.