Wade J. Townsend

Father Wade Junior Townsend, "Pop," 89, gained his wings on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Yale-New Haven Hospital after a lengthy illness. The son of the late Leroy and Minnie Townsend, Wade was born on April 15, 1934, in Marietta, North Carolina. At 21 years of age, he met the love of his life, Lillie Maude Fuller and together, they raised four children, remaining married for 66 years!
During his adolescent years, Wade attended North Carolina Public Schools completing only up to the 6th grade. He was pulled out of school to meet the greater financial need of his family by working with his father and brothers as a sharecropper. Wade often described the inhumane injustice, segregation, and racism he endured as the fuel that drove his desire for a better life and shaped his impeccable work ethic.
At the age of 18, it was love at first sight when Wade purchased his first car! Wade stated that since his first car turned out to be a lemon, he had no other choice but to teach himself how to fix cars. This marked the beginning of his makeshift car dealership and auto repair shop! And the rest is history!
Wade was employed at H. Kasden & Sons and Stamford House Wrecking Company as a Heavy Equipment Operator-Major Contractor until he retired after 34 years. Post retirement, Wade used his transferable skill set to launch his own, rather in demand business, Townsend Demolition. Wade worked well into the age of 84 years old!
At an early age, Wade made the best decision of all by accepting Jesus Christ into his life. Over the years, he was a member of The New Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ, Bible Gospel Center, Prayer Tabernacle Church of Love, and Bethcar Fellowship Church. Throughout his tenure in the church community, Wade served as a Trustee, Deacon, and beloved Father of the Church.
Wade was a talented songbird, truly anointed, with the gift of singing! For many years he traveled with choirs as the lead soloist and until his death, he was always found serenading someone with an inspirational tune! Fishing was also Wade's fondest outlet, alongside his love of sports, especially UCONN Women's Basketball. He also enjoyed watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and old Westerns, or as he would say, "Shoot em' Ups!" A fully "present" husband, father, mentor, and friend; we will sorely miss his comedic timing, and downright personable, loving nature.
Father Wade leaves to mourn his passing, his lovely wife, Lillian; four children, Stephanie Townsend, Wade Rodney (Tanya) Townsend, Deidre (Maurice) Johnson, and Paula (Morris) Rowser; nine grandchildren, Austin and Justin Townsend, Quincy, Wesley, Blair, Faythe and the late Noah Johnson, and Mooriah and Nigel Rowser; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Wade was predeceased by his siblings, Eddie Townsend, Thad Pistol Lane, Earlene Walker, Roy Mack Townsend, John Douglas Townsend, Flora Lee Hatley, Minnie Mayfield Graham, Deborah Miller, and Linda Townsend.