Randolph Davis Wade

Randolph Davis Wade passed away on Monday, August 6, 2012.

He was born on January 19, 1936, in Batesville, Virginia, the son of the late Herman Clark Wade and Helen Kennedy Wade.

Randy is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Vivian Wood Wade; daughter, Kelly Leigh Wade West and her husband, Michael; a grandson, Justin and his girlfriend, Alison Nagel; and granddaughter, Courtney; brother-in-law, L. F. Wood and wife, Patsy; brother-in law, Wendell Wood and his wife, Marlene; aunt, Louise Craig and husband, Jim; and cousin, Jimmy; and lifelong friend, LeRoy Bruton.

He was a graduate of Greenwood High School, post-graduate from Lane High School and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia in 1958. At the University, he was the School of Educations Student Body President, member of the Honor Committee, President of the Student VA Education Association, and was Intramural Athlete of the Year. After graduation, Randy taught school in Fairfax County and upon return to Charlottesville he joined Bruton Realty and Building Company as construction manager. In 1965, he started what became R.D. Wade Builder, Inc.

Under his leadership, R.D. Wade Builder Inc. grew to become Charlottesville's leading home builder for four decades. During that time, he constructed more than 3,300 homes for central Virginia families. Randy was twice President of the Blue Ridge Homebuilders Association, Life Director and honored with the Blue Ridge Homebuilders Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. He also served as President of the Albemarle Rotary Club, Chairman of the Albemarle Board of Equalization and Chairman of the Advisory Board of Charlottesville/Albemarle Technical School. He served on the board's of the Charlottesville/Albemarle Chamber of Commerce, Greater Charlottesville Development Corporation, Homebuilder Association of Virginia, United Virginia Bank, Camp Holiday Trails, Paramount Theater, Albemarle County Police Foundation, Southern Title Insurance Company, University of Virginia School of Education Foundation, Hill and Wood Funeral Service, Inc. and Farmington Country Club. Randy was a Charter member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church and served as its Finance Commission Chairman and on the Board of Trustees.
Randy was in every sense a true gentleman.

He carried himself with dignity and was extremely organized. He prepared the family he loved for the journey ahead. Randy had deep love for his family which he expressed on a daily basis through his work with his daughter and son-in-law in the family business. He was a gifted teacher and mentor to his family and business associates. He loved spectator sports especially the University of Virginia, fine dining and the company of the love of his life, best friend and wife, Vivian.

The family wishes to acknowledge the many friends and caregivers who visited and helped to give care and support while at the University of Virginia Medical Center.

The family will receive friends and family from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 8, 2012, at Hill and Wood Funeral Home in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The funeral services will be conducted at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1901 Thomson Road, 11 a.m. Thursday, August 9, 2012, led by the Reverend Ed Winkler. Interment will follow at Monticello Memory Gardens. A reception for family and friends will be held at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church after interment.

Those wishing to acknowledge Randy's life may do so with flowers or making a contribution to Wesley Memorial Methodist Church. Friends may sign the register book at www.hillandwood.com.





This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.