WADE VICTOR WALLACE

The world has lost a real character. Wade Victor Wallace “Wade the Blade” died April 1, 2016 at Concordia at Sumner where he had resided since 2011. Born November 21, 1921 in the small town of Trade, Tennessee, Wade used his intelligence, wit, discipline and charisma to work himself through life. As a young man, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, earning 3 bronze stars. Settling in the Akron area, he attended Hammel Actual Business College. He began his career in finance but soon found his gift was in sales. He began selling automobiles, eventually opening his own dealerships, Wallace Lincoln Mercury and Wade Ford, earning many awards, including the Time Dealer of the Year award.
Throughout the years, Wade supported the local community in many ways. He sponsored countless leagues of bowling, baseball, golf and other teams. He provided cars to local schools for driver’s education. He was a member of many organizations providing monetary support to make the community stronger. He was a member of Lakeview United Methodist Church in Barberton.
Wade’s skill at golf was legendary. He achieved 5 holes in one and prided himself, at one time, as being the oldest member of Firestone Country Club. Over the years Wade hosted many Pro-Am events, raising thousands of dollars for scholarships and charities. For all his successes he lived simply and with integrity. His deepest pride was his family. He married his wife, Betty Jean, on April 20, 1947. She preceded him in death on April 20, 2007, on their 60th wedding anniversary. Also preceding him in death were his parents, William Marvin and Myrtle Hasentine; brothers, Ralph and Glenn; and sister, Pearl; half-brothers, Fred and Roy Wallace; and half-sisters, Ruth Snyder and Nell Wallace.
Wade is survived by his sons, Lee, Robert (Vicky), and James (Julie); 7 grandchildren, Jamie (James) Sredinski, Monica (Andy Miller) Wallace, Justin Wallace, Amanda Wallace, Charles Wallace, Michael (Caitlin) Wallace and Daniel Wallace; 3 great-grandchildren, James Sredinski, J. Alexander Sredinski, and Maddox Miller.
Also surviving is brother Bruce (Mary June) Wallace, sisters in-law, Edna Wallace and Geraldine Wallace, brother-in-law, R.L. Wallace and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Concordia at Sumner for providing wonderful care to Wade for the past 5 years.
Friends may call at Bacher Funeral Home, 3250 Greenwich Rd. on Monday, April 4, 2016 from 3:00-5:30 PM, where services will be held at 5:30 PM. Private burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
If desired, donations may be made to Esther Ryan Shoe Fund, C/O Magic City Kiwanis, PO Box 561 Barberton, OH 44203 or Lakeview United Methodist Church, 211 3rd St. NW Barberton, OH 44203 in memory of Wade.