William Wade

William James Wade, JR

Wade, William James, Jr. of Nashville born October 4, 1930 at Vanderbilt Hospital was the son of William James Wade and Mary Terecia Price. He passed into everlasting life March 9, 2016. Bill was educated at Woodmont Elementary and Montgomery Bell Academy before graduating from Vanderbilt in 1952. There he distinguished himself as a gentleman and athlete and as SEC Player of the year and Los Angeles Rams and NFL number 1 draft pick. Upon graduation, he served 2 years in the Navy in Coronado, CA. A successful 13 year career followed as the quarterback of L.A. Rams & Chicago Bears, setting many records and leading the Bears to the '63 world Championship. Through those years he remained committed to his faith & family. A 23 year banking career with Third National Bank followed, during which time he devoted himself to many community activities, especially sharing his faith in Jesus Christ with young men. A major focus was his work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Bill's life on earth was a testament of his unwavering faith and the desire to bring others to the knowledge and belief in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. He enjoyed a successful amateur tennis career, winning many of the local tennis tournaments. Despite numerous accomplishments & awards, Bill was a humble man of God and a gentleman who never met a stranger. He is survived by wife, Mary Ellen Clinton, MD, children, grandchildren and other family. Children are: William J. Wade, III, Lisa Rice (Jimmy), Sharon Kinser (Doug). Grandchildren are Brooke Rice, Jenna Farro (Josh), Wade Lopiccolo, and Cami Kinser. Cousins are Joseph O. Martin (Louise) and Susan Rhodes Berry. He is predeceased by his parents, brother Charles Donelson Wade, and son Charles Donelson Wade II. Memorial contributions can be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 449 Metroplex Dr. Nashville, TN 37211. On line is www.fcanashville.org/donate . A Memorial service is scheduled for April 30, 2016, at 11:00am at First Presbyterian Church. 4815 Franklin Road. Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, in the Courtney Hall of First Presbyterian Church.

Following the service, a light lunch and storytelling program will be conducted in Courtney Hall.