Mr. Willie Wade Sr.

Willie Eugene Wade Sr., better known as Uncle Bill, was born October 12, 1923 to the union of Neal and Belle Wade in Forrest City, Arkansas. He was the third born of seven children. He had an amazing childhood with his siblings. With only a 10th grade education, our dad educated himself by reading the dictionary, encyclopedia and the bible. He was also taught by his father, a professor at Philander Smith College. God has always been the head of Willie's life. He accepted Christ in 1935 at the age of 12, and joined New Mount Zion Church in Lee County, Arkansas. He sang in the choir blessing everyone with his tenor voice. He later joined Mount Olive and was ordained a Deacon in 1953, remaining there until he moved. Serving the Lord was one of the best decisions our dad made. Willie met Ruby Nash in grade school while attending Shady Grove. They dated for many years before they were married. Willie married Ruby Nash on September 5, 1944 in Lee County. Once married, they moved to Little Rock, Arkansas where Willie secured a job working in an ammunition plant. While working there, he was drafted and served in the U.S. Navy. Upon his return, he resumed his job, and later moved to Forrest City, Arkansas where he began to grow his family. Six children were born to the union of Ruby .and Willie. To provide for them, he worked as a truck driver for Gibson Wholesale, delivering goods across the state ~f Arkansas. As the children grew, so did Willie's desire to provide a better life for him and his family. He moved to Milwaukee and that is where life took flight. In Milwaukee, Willie worked at Albert Trussle and joined Mt, Zion Missionary Baptist Church where he remained a dedicated deacon for over six decades. He made sure his family served the Lord as he modeled the Christian walk. Willie continued to lift up the Lord through his voice. His trust: in the Lord enabled him to open a grocery store which not only satisfied his desire to provide for his family, but many families in the community. Wade's Superette became a staple in the community, receiving recognition and love from everyone who entered its doors. He was known for making the best homemade sausage and head cheese in Milwaukee. People came from allover to purchase his product. Because his sausage was so good, he was offered money from Oscar Meyer and Dubuque Meat Packing company for his recipe. Willie declined the offer. In 1987, the family was honored with the Family of the Year award from African World Festival because of their annual block party and service to the community. It was because of Willie's determination, love for his family, and his faith in God that made all of this possible. Willie remained strong in faith and in love with Ruby until and after the Lord called her home in 1993. In 1998, Willie married Lonnie] as per Adams. He was blessed to share more of his love with many others in this union. In 2017, Willie's faith and strength showed as he buried his second wife, Lonnie Jasper Adams Wade. Willie had many talents. One of them being his ability to make people laugh. People often told him he missed his calling. He had a way of drawing you into his stories and making you wonder whether they were true or false. He painted pictures with his stories even down to describing the dog. Telling stories was the way he made sure everyone around him was in a good mood. You never saw Willie in a bad mood. However, when you saw Willie bite his tongue, you better make a quick adjustment. Willie E. Wade Sr. received his wings on September 21,2023. He was preceded in eternal rest by his parents, Neal and Belle Wade; wives, Ruby Emma Wade and Lonnie Jasper Adams Wade; brothers, Walter Lee Wade, Neal Wade II, Leander Wade, Edward Eugene Wade Sr., and Earlie Cornelius Wade; sister, Lonneva Ferrow (Aunt Wee); sons; Willie L. Wade]r., and Charles E. Wade; son in law, Walter Lee; grandson, Eric Greene; and great granddaughter, Raejah Denae Williams. He leaves to cherish his memories: his daughters, Ruby and Joe Mallett, Bobbie Wade, Wilma Lee, and Diane Wade, all of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; daughter in laws, Thelma Wade and Betty Wade of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; over 20 grandchildren, over 60 great grandchildren and over 10 great great grandchildren. Willie was blessed to have a blended family of children, Rhulene Artis, Arthur (Jerry) Curry, Anita (Ronald) Artis, Angela (Douglas) West, Richard Adams and Iris Adams, all of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Frances (Aonie) Gilcrest of Mount Morris, Michigan, Manuel (Barbara) Adams of Atlanta, Georgia; 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and numerous friends.

Mr. Willie Wade Sr.

October 12, 1923 - September 21, 2023