Mr. Willie Lee Wade Jr.

Willie L. Wade Jr. was born on July 29, 1947, to the union of Ruby and Willie Wade Sr. of Forrest City, Arkansas. He was the first son of six children. Willie attended Stewart Elementary School in Forrest City and Evans Elementary in St. Francis County. The family relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in May of 1959. He continued his education in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Roosevelt Middle School and Lincoln High School. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1965, where he was on the track and field team running the 100 meter dash and cross country. He was the champion runner in the 440 meter race. His nickname was the "Rabbit" because he could outrun anyone. He furthered his education at Bryant & Stratton Technical College. While attending Bryant & Stratton, Willie applied at the Falk Corporation and was employed for 41 years, until he retired. Willie lived his life to the fullest. He loved cars and loved to race them. He was an avid car racer and raced his cars at Great Lakes Drag Away in Union Grove, Wisconsin. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing sports, which included basketball, baseball and bowling. He loved playing cards, especially spades and bid wiz. Willie has always been a soldier for Christ. He was baptized at the tender age of 8, at Pentecost Methodist Church in St. Francis County. When the family relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he became an active member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He was the chairman of the Deacon's board, attended Sunday school, bible study and prayer meetings regularly and he was the President of the male chorus. He was a prayer warrior. Through his songs of praise and testimonial prayers, Willie's love for the Lord shined bright. Although he loved his cars, Willie loved his family a million times more. He met the love of his life, Thelma Horton, in 1966. They were joined together in holy matrimony on August 24, 1973, in Forrest City, Arkansas. Their union was blessed with 7 children. Willie was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He departed this life on July 10, 2017 and was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Wade. The adage says, "It takes a village to raise a child", but Willie L. Wade Jr. raise a village. This is evident in the outpouring of love and support from the many hearts that he touched. He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Thelma Wade; father, Willie Wade Sr.; his siblings,: Ruby (Joe) Mallet, Bobbie Wade, Charles (Betty) Wade, Wilma (Walter) Lee, Diane Wade; sister-in-law, Ethel Horton - all from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; his children, Elmarie Horton, Nicole (Alex Sr.) Conery, Adriana (Derrick) Smith, Willette (Tally) Hurst, Willie (Tammy) Wade, Lajuandra (Danny) Wade-Wren and Maurice Wade; three godchildren, Insa Spade, Lamar Ayers and Marcio Ayers; twenty-five grandchildren, five great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Willie Lee Wade Jr.

July 29, 1947 - July 10, 2017