Obituary of Alexandria Wade

Reverend Alexandria Wade was born on April 5, 1919 to the late William Henry and Lucy Ware Wade. He grew up in Columbia, Virginia with eight brothers and one sister. On September 26, 1939, he married the love of his life, Melvin Virginia, and together they had five children. In 1944, Alexandria joined the United States Navy, serving in World War II. He embarked on his next journey on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, from the McGuire VA Medical Center/Hospice Unit Journey's Way in Richmond, Virginia. Alexandria was employed by the University of Richmond Athletic Department for 12 years until he retired. He worked hard all of his life, including cooking for the sawmill operations in Virginia and Maryland. An avid carpenter, he loved to build things and, along with his brother Garrison, helped with the building of the new Pleasant View Baptist Church. He also enjoyed raising pigs for several years and one of his greatest joys was having a large garden. In 1959, Reverend Wade began his ministry service at the Pleasant View Baptist Church where he had previously served as an usher and trustee. After being ordained, he spread his wings and moved on to pastor New Store Baptist Church in Buckingham County for 12 years, New Site Baptist Church in Cumberland, County for 23 years, and Mourner's Valley Baptist Church for 37 years. He also presided over services in Washington, D.C., Capitol Heights, Maryland, and North Carolina as well as serving as the revival speaker for Rev. Paul Evans, Rev. Sam Lee, and Rev. S. H. Miller. Alexandria was preceded in death by: his parents, William Henry and Lucy Ware Wade; eight brothers, William, Junius, John, Leonard, Garrison, Benny, Curtis, and Raymond; and one sister, Alice. He is survived by: his loving wife of over 75 years, Melvin Virginia; children, Rev. Dorothy M. Gilliam (Robert Sr.), Mattie Jackson (Lawrence Sr.), Donald Wade (Grace), and Florrine Wade-Foster; a daughter-in-law, Queen Taylor (Alvin, deceased); a sister-in-law, Beatrice Wade; five generations of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-greatgrandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.