Two years ago we lost a dear friend named Ronnie & a few years before that we lost dear friend Jill. They are both missed more than words could ever express. Keeping you all in our prayers, Karen, Ronda & Wesley. 
With much love & continued sympathy, Gail & Tom

Mr Wade was one of the best bosses at True Value. My Grandpa Rowe would come visit when I was working and talk with Mr. Wade the whole time..they were old friends. I know they are in Heaven chatting up a storm.  He is missed. Both of them are.  

Mr Wade was the best boss at True Value. I worked there for 2 years, in my latter years of high school. Him and Mr. C were amazing leaders. Him and Mr. Woodie were good friends with my Grandpa Rowe. He'd come into visit his friend (Mr Wade) and he could see me as well.  Very good memories of all of us as a team. He will be missed and definitely left a legacy for generations to come. 
Respect and prayers for his family. 
Love, 
Valerie McCandless (Mirick) 

On this one year anniversary of missing Ronnie continues for us, we know it definitely is so much more so for you all.  Every time I'm near ACE hardware I feel like going in to have a conversation with him! And not having him over for dinner has left a true void in our lives.  Our hearts go out to you and our prayers for your peace and comfort continue.  

Ron, my business partner and friend for 46 years, you will be missed. A true professional retailer. One of his favorite sayings was, “If you don’t have it when the customer wants it, it’s too late!” 
Our occasional phone calls and our annual lunch at Pop’s will be missed. Our prayers are with your family, especially Karen, Rhonda, and Wesley as you process your grief. 
Rest In Peace, Mr.C & Susan

I met Ronnie in 1953 (I was 13) . . .we traveled from Niagara Falls, NY to Staunton/Fairfield/Raphine (where my Dad grew up).  Dad (William Thomas Fulwider) and I stopped in at Lucille's; we met her and Ronnie in their living room coming in through the front door; the living room was so formal and beautiful.  Dad talked with Ronnie about furthering his education at University.  Ronnie took Dad's advice and later enrolled at Virginia Tech.  Lucille told us that she was very happy that Dad talked with Ronnie about additional education as Dad was knowledgeable about business and how important further education was for your future (Dad worked at DuPont from 1932 to 1962).  The Wade's had a successful general store nearby Fairfield where Ronnie would work/help out as a young boy, learning about selling, money, inventory, seasonal items and greeting customers too.  Ronnie's Dad "Shorty" was a good car salesman, Lucille told us.  We met Ronnie on several occasions over the years, while in Virginia with Lucille and her sister, Sister Raphael Fulwider, OSF and more family at The Bunns 4th of July picnics in Troutville, etc.  I'm glad we had our 2019 family gathering in Raphine. He will be missed.  I loved his dry sense of humor; felt welcome in his company.   God Bless Ronnie Indeed!  Martin and Karen (Fulwider) VeRost

We both worked for Mr. Wade at True Value for several years, where we learned so much from him (about hardware and about life), laughed at his jokes and countless stories he shared with us, and always knew he had our backs. He was the best boss we could have ever asked for and always made work feel more like home. We actually met while working at the store, so of course we needed to have Mr. Wade at our wedding! He was very special to us, and we will miss him greatly. 

Every Wednesday at Kiwanis, Ron and I would talk about what our Hokies  were up to . Whether it was football, basketball or even this year baseball. I will miss our conversations. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

My family and I were taken in by Mr. Ron two years ago when he agreed to come over for what became weekly dinners. He was always kind and patient with our active children, encouraging us during the tantrums and laughing at the inappropriate noises that were often made at the table… mostly by the children.  His stories, wisdom and outright positive energy was a bright light that we looked forward to every week. And he was always generous with complements of the dinner, whether it was frozen pizza or a seafood feast.  His seat at our table will be impossible to fill. We love him greatly and miss him. 

Ronnie was my first cousin.  He was a teen when I entered the family.  I remember  seeing his handsome VPI portrait sitting on the chest at my aunt's house.
Another memory is his and Jill's beautiful wedding.  
I remember when Karen, Ronda, and Wesley were born to their proud parents.
My dearest memory is Ronnie holding my hand as I walked into the Atlantic Ocean for the first time : I knew I was safe.  
I will miss his Christmas cards ; my Hokie cousin always made a point to say something good about my JMU Dukes!

My love and condolences to his loving family.

 




I remember looking forward to seeing Mr Wade in the store. He was a man who seemed to cherish things like a good handshake, a decent business transaction and the ability to look you in the eye when he spoke.  A bit of a lost art now days.
My sincere respects to his family and friends.  I’m thankful for his years of honest desire to help folks out.

Peace be the journey.

Worked for True Value and Mr. Wade some 31 years ago.  He was a little tough, but that's what us youngins needed back then.  He had such a great work ethic and always loved a challenge.  Especially around the younger guys.  These challenges usually ended up with seeing who could carry more 50 pound grass seed bags on their back or usually pushups were involved.  Always remember pushups, and he could sure get it done.  Always in such great shape.  Also quick with good advice.  Well, I grew up and worked for NASA awhile and then left to start my own small business.  It was about this time that I came into the store for something and saw Mr. Wade.  I was excited to share my news with him.  Seems like I was talking about a niche market that I wanted to tap into.  This is when he stopped me and gave some good advice.  Advice to work hard and treat people well.  What an impact.  I still loosely use his quote even today some 18 years later.  I told him that story, one day in POP'S.  He got a big kick out of hearing that and I think he enjoyed seeing how I turned out with my business and especially my family.  You will be missed.

“Mr. Ron” became our fatherly neighbor almost three years ago. We treasure the sharing of his career and  family memories, his dignity in isolation with us through the pandemic, the shared times with sports, meals, and laughter as well as the pure goodness he portrayed for others as a faithful Christian man. We and our children shall truly miss him and our hearts are with his family.  We know he has joy in being with his wife again in Heaven. 
 With love and remembrance, Tom & Winette Jeffery  

Mr. Wade was one of my Grandfather's friends and I worked for him at True Value, while I was in high school.  Always had the best life advice and loved to joke. He will be missed. 

OBITUARY

Ronald Lee Wade

March 25, 1935 – July 12, 2022

Nelsen Williamsburg

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