Christopher Phillip Wadley

Wadley, Christopher P., born in Jersey City NJ on May 29, 1941 passed away (unexpectedly) on December 6, 2024, surrounded by his incredible wife Leila H. Wadley and his family. He is survived by his sister Lynn M. Wadley of Jacksonville and his brother Henry V. Wadley (Debbie) of Birmingham AL, brother-in-law Samuel A. Hatfield and sister-in-law Cynthia Nunn both of St. Augustine. He is predeceased by his eldest Sister, Gail Pesaniello of Bethehem, PA.

He was blessed with three children, Christina D. Cermin of Nerja, Spain, Christopher R. Wadley (Kim), Jacksonville, Jonathan D. Wadley of San Diego, CA and was further blessed with a step-son, Gary M. Mann (Marcia), Jacksonville and a step-daughter Regina M. Beaty (Brian) of Bethel, VT. In addition, Chris is survived by seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Chris spent the first 12 years of his life in New Jersey. In 1953 his family relocated to Daytona Beach FL where he completed grammar school and graduated from Mainland High School in 1958. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the US Navy and graduated from technical school as an Electronics Technician, ending his enlistment as an ET5. While in the Navy Chris never saw a ship - spending his entire enlistment stationed at a small remote radio transmitter station in the desert near Kenitra, Morocco, in western Africa.

Returning home to Daytona Beach, he completed his college freshman year at Daytona Beach Community College and then completed his degree at the University of Florida in Gainesville in 1967.

After graduation he worked for Ford Motor Company at their home office in Detroit and then in Pittsburgh before returning to Jacksonville Fl in 1970 to begin his 51 year career in the insurance and securities business. In 1976 he founded Pension Specialists, Inc. to design and administer retirement plans for corporations, assisting several thousand workers with their financial planning for retirement, many of whom remain clients decades later.

In 1996 he founded Key Financial Group of Jacksonville, Inc. to concentrate on the investment of client funds and prospered until he retired in 2021 and merged Key Financial Group with Titletown Wealth Management, LLC so that his many clients could continue to be served with the care, concern and integrity they deserved.

He was ably assisted in his career by his son, Chris, his nephew, Christopher Godreau, his business associates and friends, Bryan V. Bartosik and John D. Bowsman.

In his spare time, and after retirement, Chris enjoyed maintaining his home and yard. Beginning at age 14, he rode both dirt and street motorcycles for 50 years. He was a good cook, loved boating and fishing, and was a competent photographer and even owned Am-Pro Camera, a store in Jacksonville in the 1980's until the advent of digital photography.

He would like to thank all of the wonderful people and businesses that had confidence in him and entrusted him to help them with their financial dreams and goals.

A visitation will be held on December 20, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hardage Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223. Chris will be laid to rest on December 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 N Main St, Jacksonville, FL 32206, with military honors. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the charity of your choice.