Kevin Glenn Wade, son of Willie J. and Mary Elizabeth Wade, was born in Richmond, Virginia, on Sept. 7, 1961. On Jan. 19, 2019, God in His infinite wisdom called Kevin home to rest.

Early in his childhood, Kevin proved himself to be a curious-minded youngster with a strong will. He had an unrelenting desire to do things his way and get what he wanted.

In 1972, the Wades purchased Taylor’s Restaurant and relocated the family to Deltaville. Shortly after the move, Kevin began experiencing medical challenges that required several surgeries and special devices. Rather than considering his condition to be a handicap, Kevin developed a resolve of steel to have a normal life and do or have everything that anyone else could do or have. This resolve became the driving force for the rest of his life. Under the tutelage of a shrewd business-minded father, Kevin quickly began showing that he had the stuff to be a successful businessman.

Early in his childhood, Kevin found ways to make money and leverage the money that he made. He could see opportunities when others passed them by. Kevin graduated from York Academy, but clearly formal schooling wasn’t his thing. Rather, he cherished the acquisition of knowledge gained from the rough and tumble world that was his encyclopedia. During high school, Kevin began dating Susan Schultz who soon became the love of his life and his soul mate. The two were married in 1984 and worked hand in hand as partners and built successful businesses until he died without losing one bit of the romantic bliss that joined them. 

In 1982, Kevin joined his friend Joe Jenkins in establishing a startup seafood company, J&W Seafood.  After a few years, Joe decided to relocate to Mississippi, selling his interest in the business to Kevin and Susan. Despite years of struggle and uncertainties, Kevin and Susan stayed the course and grew the business into a world-class seafood processor and retail company. J&W was selected the only company to represent Virginia on the Outbound Seafood Trade Mission to Canada. The constant visionaries, the couple acquired Island Seafood and recently launched a new initiative to farm raise oysters with his friend Ben Woodard. 

Kevin’s deep appreciation for the opportunities he had in his life was a guiding principle for his generosity.  Kevin gave without hesitation to community programs over the County of Middlesex and beyond. He touched many lives and treated the youngsters who worked in the store as his own—often providing advice, emotional support and financial assistance.

He was a member of Zoar Baptist Church and found great pleasure in attending services. Kevin served as Vice President of Virginia Seafood Council and member of the Legislative and Nominating Committees. He was a board member of VA Seafood Association; Bluecrab and Shellfish Committee of VMRC; Lower Middle Rescue Squad, and Lower Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department.

He was highly respected for his knowledge of the economic impact the seafood industry, the challenges of sustaining this vital resource and the importance of balancing the needs of the community with the needs to deploy strategies for growing and harvesting. Kevin was never short on opinions and hardly afraid to speak the truth when silence could have been easy and more popular course to follow.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents and brother Elton. To carry his banner, he leaves his wife Susan; brother, Ray (Terry); sister, Patricia (J.R. Butler); mother-in-law, Jackie Schultz; sisters-in-law, Lynne Smith (D.J.), Farrah Owen; nieces and nephews, R.J. Bibee, Gunner Bibee, Alison Bibee, Cole Smith, Ray Wade Jr., Staton Wade, Alexander Wade, Amanda Johnson, Kelly Lipford, Rennie Johnson, Jeff Wade, Sandra Gifford, and a host of other family and friends.

Services will be held at the Zoar Baptist Church, Deltaville, on Jan. 23, 2019, at 12 noon. Visitation for family and friends will be held at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105 or to the Deltaville Community Association.

Arrangements by Faulkner Funeral Homes, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel, Saluda.