William J Wade Jr

December 20, 2025 | Salt Lake City, Utah

William J. Wade Jr., known to many as Bill or Billy, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was 81.

Born and raised in Vance County, North Carolina, Bill was shaped by his deep roots in an extended farming family. His love for the outdoors - both for work and recreation - began early and remained a central part of his life. Bill attended N.C. State University, where he earned a degree in Forestry and was an active member of the marching band and Army ROTC.

Bill proudly served in the U.S. Army, deploying to Vietnam shortly after joining the Armed Forces in 1966. He later continued his service as a dedicated member of the Utah Army National Guard until his retirement in the late 1990s. After college and his deployments, he moved west, eventually settling in Utah and later in Wyoming, where he spent much of his life.

A true adventurer at heart, Bill's career took him across the country, often combining work with his love of travel. His work on various natural resource projects and his passion for Unimog tractors kept him on the road, exploring some of the most remote parts of the western United States. Bill's adventurous spirit was matched only by his unwavering work ethic-he was always on the go, whether for work or for the sheer joy of exploring. In recent years, Bill faced an unusual form of dementia, which ultimately led to his passing.

Bill will be remembered for his tireless dedication, his kind heart, and his adventurous spirit. He is survived by his children, Jessica Wade of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Brett Wade of Meridian, Idaho; his brother, Lee Wade of Henderson, North Carolina; and his grandchildren, Brooks, Aiden, and Lauren. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Monument Nursing Homes for their compassionate care.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held at a later date.