Archie Leroy Wade

March 13, 1949-June 18, 2023

This Father's Day, the best man in the world left this world for the next. His journey began with his birth to Will and Laura Wade in Pasadena, TX in the spring of 1949. In 1960, the family moved to the Lake O the Pines area, and there the legend that still grows in our minds found its roots. As a teen, he guided bass fisherman on Pines, and then moved to Arlington and Mansfield and became a drywall contractor for the next 50 plus years. He would take us hunting and fishing buddies here and there, like Chucky and Phillip. He finally settled in Canton. He loved to fish Lake fork, where he caught a 14.83lb bass that ranked #44 in the state at the time. At age 15, Archie was baptized in Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and rededicated his life to Him in 2011.

He was the eldest boy of 9 large, hungry children spawned by Memaw and Papaw. Sisters Mary, Laura and Barbara and brother George crossed over the finish line prior to Archie. But he did not fall short in many races! He was a world class sprinter in high school, scorched the high and intermediate hurdles and was a phenomenal footballer. Brothers Charlie, Virgil, Darrell, Mike and Kenny survive him...as do his wife of 22 years Regina, sons Christopher, Cole, and Justin, daughters Sadie and Shilo, and eleven grandchildren-- each of whom melted his heart.

He gathered everyone's attention with his outgoing personality, and everyone who met him came away knowing he was a really good man. He made a huge impression on so many lives. Unfiltered, a little raw, but always true--we were entertained, inspired and usually shocked at his stories, and he had many. He made our lives better by simply being a part of them. I can only imagine that Heaven is now a better place with his presence. Happy Father's Day, Dad! We Love You!