Roll Call Tribute

C. L. Wade 

July 27, 1929 - June 1, 2025 

C.L. Wade, a man of unwavering faith, remarkable intellect, and deep devotion to family and community, passed away, peacefully, Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Born on July 27, 1929, in the very home where he would spend much of his life, C.L. was the eldest child of Claudie Lee and Linnie Bell Wade. He grew up alongside his younger siblings, Joanne Wade Lambert and Thomas Donald Wade, on the family homestead in Williamson County, Texas.

From a young age, C.L. demonstrated a strong work ethic and sharp mind. He began his education at Andice Elementary in first grade, and attended 2nd through 8th grade at Matchler Heights School. He later attended Georgetown High School, where his legacy began to take shape. Prior to that, however, as an 8th grader, he became the Williamson County champion in the mile run-a title he couldn't defend in high school due to Georgetown's sole athletic offering: football.

C.L. and his football teammates had such a love for the game, they made a pact to play an extra season together, so in an unusual twist of youthful ingenuity, they all agreed to fail typing so they could graduate midterm the following year. This is something C.L. most certainly would not have condoned, had his children tried the same.

In addition to playing football, C.L. and a small group of determined teammates banded together to form Georgetown High School's first-ever basketball team. Coached by a Southwestern University student, they practiced in a barn and played games at Southwestern's gym.

Following high school, he pursued a drafting degree at Texas A&M University, showcasing his mathematical gifts. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War as a Military Police officer, escorting prisoners across the Southwest. Among his more memorable assignments was escorting President Dwight D. Eisenhower during a San Antonio parade.

After returning home, C.L. embraced his family's tradition of working the land, attempting to farm cotton during what would become the worst drought years of the 20th century. He would go on to work for the Texas Highway Department. During this period, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Louise Williams, a devoted first-grade teacher in Georgetown. They were wed on August 6, 1955.

With support from the GI Bill, he continued his education at Southwest Texas State, living in married student housing. He then began a long career with Texas Gulf Sulphur, first in Newgulf, then in Fannett, and later Moss Bluff before finishing back in Newgulf and retiring at age 55. Though his professional life took him across southeast Texas-from Stowell to Winnie to Liberty-he never let go of his agricultural roots, often tending to two or three gardens at a time, wherever life placed him.

C.L. was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Mary Louise raised a loving family, leaving a legacy of four children and their spouses, 12 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren-with one more on the way.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and siblings.

A man of strong Christian faith, C.L. was a faithful member and deacon of several Baptist churches throughout his life, including First Baptist Church in Winnie, First Baptist in Newgulf, and Andice Baptist Church.

He leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, humility, and steadfast love. His was a life of purpose, conviction, and deep roots-in his land, in his faith, and in his family. He will be missed beyond measure but remembered with gratitude and joy.

Services will be held at Andice Baptist Church, on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 11am.