Olawale Adegboyega-Panox

Wale is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth Olufunke (Olowu) Adegboyega-Panox, Daughter Yewande Panox-Leach (Colin), Daughter Adeola Adegboyega-Panox (John), and Granddaughter Josephine Leach; Brothers Alexander Babatunde Panox (Idowu), Adeolu (Joke) and Adeoye Adegboyega as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He is preceded in death by Parents Isaac and Betty Joan and Sisters Tokunbo and Aderenle.

Wale was born on April 4, 1952 in Manchester, United Kingdom and thus began a lifelong dedication to Manchester United. He attended Ibadan Grammar School, The Air Force Academy, and City College London. He then proudly served in The Nigerian Air Force and The British Army and to his last days always ensured his shoes were properly shined and his bed was neatly made. Though he was only meant to be passing through, he wound up moving to the United States permanently in the 1980s after finding a supportive community of other Nigerians, including a good friend who introduced him to the beautiful woman who would soon become his wife. He married the love of his life in 1985 and over the next three years, the couple welcomed two daughters into their home, whom he affectionately referred to as Honorable Number One and Honorable Number Two (sometimes shortened to just #1 and #2).

His family remembers him as a loving father who worked tirelessly to ensure that they had every opportunity, encouraged them to pursue their goals, and made sure every gluttonous meal was punctuated with laughter and joy as he took every chance to “crack a joke.”

Wale was a positive, ebullient personality who made friends wherever he went. He was passionate about cars, including his beloved Bentley, the musical stylings of British pop acts of the 60s and 70s and Earth, Wind, and Fire, and being of service to anyone in need. He was a member of The Episcopal Church of Our Savior for nearly 40 years and he served as an usher, inaugural church bus driver, and generous coffee hour host.

We will miss his humor, enormous heart, and delightful stories of a life well-lived.

The viewing will take place at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home (11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20904) on Saturday, September 9 from 2-4pm. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 11am at The Episcopal Church of Our Savior (1700 Powder Mill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20903) with reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Wale’s life. We ask that those in attendance wear bright colors to reflect the joy that Wale brought to all around him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Episcopal Church of Our Savior. Condolences can be shared via Dignity Memorial (https://shorturl.at/lwT39). The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and caregivers for their efforts in ensuring we had as much time with Wale as possible.