Edgar DeLacie Wade Jr. was born to Edgar DeLacie Wade, Sr. and Tula Horne Wade on February 25, 1927. He grew up with his three brothers, Clifton, Odis, and Glenn, in the small textile mill town of Erwin, NC. At age 17, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was trained as a diesel mechanic and Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP) boat pilot, and was stationed in the Philippines and China during the last years of World War II. He achieved the rank of Fireman First Class (MOMM) (Motor Machinist Mate 3-C). His commendations include the Philippine Liberation Medal, the China Area Medal, and a Navy Unit Citation.

Upon honorable discharge from the Navy in July 1946, Ed returned to Erwin and worked for Erwin Mills for several years. Then, using his GI Bill, he enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Fine Art. After graduating, Ed joined the staff of the university Communications Center, where he was Assistant Film Director. There he met and, the next summer, married UNC student JoEllen Gerschefski of Spartanburg, SC. They had two beloved sons, Ross Edgar Wade and Scott Edwin Wade.

When Ed left the university, he embarked on a career as art director, broadcast television cameraman, director, and producer for WBTW (Florence, SC) and WBTV/Jefferson Pilot Teleproductions (Charlotte, NC). At WBTW and WBTV, Ed directed and filmed local programming. For years, he directed both the 6 PM and the 11 PM news programs at WBTW. Later, he and his colleagues at Jefferson Pilot were the creative force behind numerous national television commercials, including those for Ford Motor Company, Leggs Panty Hose, Tasters Choice Coffee, and Ty-D-Bowl. Because of his role in developing the character, Ed was affectionately referred to as the “godfather” of the Ty-D-Bowl man. In the final years of his career he directed college football, college basketball, NASCAR, and various other sporting event broadcasts.

Ed had many hobbies. He spent his idle time refurbishing classic automobiles, horse-drawn buggies, and airplanes. He earned his pilot’s license. He enjoyed woodworking and carpentry. In addition to building sets for TV commercials, he built a powerboat, a pickup truck camper and a lake house. His artistic craftsmanship was well known: his eccentric paintings hung on the walls of the family home, and included the eerie “Weenie Witch”, whose eyes would follow house guests around the room. Friends and family were often gifted with his exquisite wood carvings of animals and sea life. A favorite nephew-in-law remarked, “Ed could do anything!”, and many others agreed that, indeed, he could.

Throughout his life Ed was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, boating, and water-skiing. Untold numbers of friends and family were taught to waterski by Ed, who was known to master tricks in one try. For 23 years he traveled to Maine to hunt with his friends from WBTV/JP, and when that annual event ended, he spent 22 summers fishing with family and newfound friends in the Excursion Inlet, Alaska community. Ever true to his cameraman roots, Ed was typically the one documenting these outings with a video camera and a glass of scotch.

Above all, Ed was devoted to his family and friends. He took extensive time to care for sick family members. For many friends and family members, he quietly paid college tuition bills, gave cars, contributed to home purchases and improvements, and paid expensive medical bills. He asked for very little in return. Indeed, the hardest thing to figure out was what to give Ed for his birthday or for Christmas. When asked what he would like, he would respond, “I have everything I need.” He will always be remembered as a generous and supremely creative man who had a gentle demeanor and dry wit, never calling much attention to himself, but quietly bestowing plenty to others.

In addition to Ross, Scott, and JoEllen, Ed is survived by five grandchildren (Carmen Wade Hathcock, Misty Anne Wade, Jordan Caroline Wade, Courtney Canady Wade, and Michael Patrick Wade), a great grandson (Phillip Yadon Wade), and a brother (Glenn Rogers Wade).

There will not be a traditional funeral or memorial service. (Ed’s orders.) There will be a celebration of the life and times of Ed Wade on April 29, 1 PM – 4 PM, Belle Acres Country Club, 3033 South Boulevard, Charlotte NC 28209. There will be additional celebrations in Erwin, NC and Excursion Inlet, AK.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions, volunteer time, or provision of meals to the local hospice center of your choice.

Carolina Cremation is assisting the Wade family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.