Mr. Christopher Miles Wade

Christopher Miles Wade, 44, passed away after a brief battle with cancer on Saturday, December 28, 2024, in his home in Monroe, NC with his wife and mother by his side.
Chris was born on February 26, 1980, in Wilmington, NC, to Luther Maxwell Wade and Pamela Walser Wade. He was a beacon of love, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to all his family, friends and loved ones. From his early days at Emsley A. Laney High School, where he graduated in 1998, to his commendable journey through the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) and the Naval Academy, culminating in his graduation in 2004, Chris exemplified excellence and commitment. His service as a supply chain officer in the Marine Corps from May 2004 to October 2012 was a testament to his patriotism and steadfastness. Chris served in three tours: two to Afghanistan and one to Iraq.
Chris's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, family, and faith. He is survived by his beloved wife, Leslie Hahn Wade, of nearly 10 years and their four wonderful children: Lola (18), Channing (14), Sam (8), and Jordan (2). His legacy also lives on through his father, Luther Maxwell Wade, his mother, Pam Walser Wade, and his sister, April Berndt, along with her husband Dan and their children, Gavin (11), Emerson (9), and Piper (6).
On the day of his wedding, October 22, 2016, when asked to describe Chris in one word, his mother couldn't choose just one. She lovingly described him as both "loyal" and a "peacemaker." To know Chris was to love him, as many have said. His passion for his family and his pride in them far outweighed any earthly possession. Chris was the epitome of a family man, a God-fearing Christian, and an all-around kind and good human being.
While Chris held a full-time job as a Procurement Manager at NewIndy, a local corrugated box mill in Catawba, SC, he always felt a deeper calling. His artistic spirit and desire to help others found a perfect outlet during the height of the global pandemic in the summer of 2020. Chris founded 'Wade Custom Shoe Company' (WCSC), a venture that brought him immense joy. He taught himself how to customize shoes by watching YouTube videos, and soon, he was building shoes from the ground up. His vision was as pure and beautiful as his heart and talent, encapsulated in the company's slogan: "WHSHMS" – Work Hard, Stay Humble, Make Shoes.
Chris's passion projects within WCSC were numerous and heartfelt. He often sought ways to partner with big corporations to raise money and create shoes for those in need. His Naval Academy roots provided him with key connections in the NFL, and it was his dream to see just one pair of WCSC cleats on the NFL stage. Fast forward four years, and that dream became a reality. The 2024 NFL My Cause My Cleats initiative is still in the works, and it is the goal of his daughter, Lola, and son, Channing, to carry on his legacy of giving, loyalty, passion for artistry, and never-ending grit, ensuring WCSC continues to thrive and fulfill its mission.
Chris Wade's life was a testament to the power of love, dedication, and the pursuit of one's passions. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift all who know him and those who will come to know him through the enduring impact of his work and his family.
A memorial service will be held on February 22, 2025, at 1 pm at Emsley A. Laney High School, 2700 N. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28405. If you plan on attending the memorial service, please RSVP at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1142701885099?aff=oddtdtcreator
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Navy Football Brotherhood Supporting Chris Wade website: https://www.navyfootballbrotherhood.org/support/chris-wade
Chris will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who know him. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at CMC Main in Charlotte, NC for their compassionate care, especially nurse Jaclyn Weston in 3T oncology.