Dr. John K. Wadley

1934 - 2016

Dr. John K. Wadley

Age: 82 • Waynesboro

John Kenneth Wadley M.D. passed away on May 6, 2016 at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, VA. following a period of declining health.  He resided in Waynesboro, VA.

     Dr. Wadley was born in Memphis, TN on March 15, 1934, the youngest child of the late Caswell Hughes Wadley and Marie (Kuhlenkamp) Wadley.  He was predeceased by his beloved sister, Clemence McCain, who help to raise him, and by his brother Dr. Hughes Wadley.

     His undergraduate degree was received from Rhodes College in Memphis.  His medical degree was earned at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis.  He completed his residency in Otolaryngology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.  Dr. Wadley had a private practice in Manassas, VA. for 30 years.

     Dr. Wadley served in the U.S. Army for 6 years during which he was in Frankfurt, Germany and at Walter Reed Army Hospital as the assistant chief of Otolaryngology.  He served in the Army Reserves for another 18 years, setting up field hospitals and rescue missions, and retiring in 1991 with the rank of Colonel.

     He was a talented man outside of medicine as well.  He enjoyed doing color pencil drawings, wood carving, and harmonica playing.  As he was a most humble man, Dr. Wadley never sought recognition for himself but, rather, used his many talents to add some happiness to the lives of others.  He gave generously of his time, talent, and medical knowledge.

     A lifelong Presbyterian, Dr. Wadley became an Elder at the Greenwich Presbyterian Church in Nokesville, VA.  For the past 11 years, he has been a member of Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church in Fishersville where he attended the Men's Breakfast monthly meetings, attended and taught Sunday School, and played his harmonica in the church's Praise Band.  He was a most interesting asset to any class due to his wealth of knowledge in so many areas.  He also volunteered at the Augusta Free Clinic and did volunteer work in Summerlee, WVA.

     Dr. Wadley's first wife, Alida van der Heiden, predeceased him in 1998 after 38 years of marriage.  He was also preceded in death by family members in The Netherlands, brother-in-law Richard "Dick" van der Heiden and sister-in-law Loes van der Heiden.  His nephew, Robert McCain of Memphis, TN, passed away in 2015.

      His survivors include his wife, Nancy (Simpson) Wadley, whom he married in November 2000; his daughter from his first marriage, Lisa McCarty and her husband Patrick and John's two adored grandsons, Connor and Nathan McCarty, all of Norfolk, VA.  He is also survived by nieces and nephews in the United States, The Netherlands, and Canada.  He is being missed by his treasured and much loved companion, Sweetpea.

     A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church at 11:00 am by The Rev. Dr. Tully Hunter and The Rev. Merle Fisher.  Burial with military honors will follow in the Tinkling Spring cemetery.  A reception for family and friends will be held in Spring Hall of the church immediately following the burial.

     If desired, donations in memory of Dr. Wadley may be made to The Building Fund, Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church, 30 Tinkling Spring Drive, Fishersville, VA  22939 or to Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center, 1001 Mt. Torrey Road, Lyndhurst, VA  22952 or to a charity of your choice.

     Share online memories and condolences at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.