2024 – Kim Wade- football
William Kim Wade died on April 15, 2024, following a brief illness. Born in Dallas on Christmas Eve in 1952 to Yvonne and Henry Wade, Kim was a proud Texan and a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, the University of Texas at Austin and Southern Methodist University School of Law.
Kim’s warmth and humility left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. He will be remembered for his strong Catholic faith, profound connection with nature and animals (especially dogs and crows), passion for classic country music and nonfiction books, integrity, generosity, and propensity for finding the good in others.
The family was the cornerstone of Kim’s life. He and Suzanne were married for 40 years and raised two sets of boy-girl twins, born 20 months apart. A loving and devoted father, Kim emphasized the importance of being genuine, honest, and kind. He didn’t take life or himself too seriously and encouraged his kids to do the same. Most of all, Kim never missed a chance to let his children know how much he loved them and how proud he was of them. In recent years, he was a constant presence in the lives of his eight grandchildren, who adored their Papa/Pops as much as their parents did.
Kim was a salt-of-the-earth Texan with a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He spent many weekends on the family farm in Forney, working alongside his brother Hank and father Henry, who served as the District Attorney of Dallas for 36 years. Ever since his children left for college, Kim’s morning ritual was to sit in his rocking chair on the back porch, sipping coffee, reading his Bible and watching the local wildlife. Along with the many dogs Kim loved throughout his life, he had a unique bond with a family of crows, who visited his backyard daily and followed his 2001 red Suburban around the neighborhood, knowing he’d toss a few peanuts their way.
Kim loved sports as a player, fan and coach. He played football for the Woodrow Wilson Wildcats and the Texas Longhorns under the legendary Darrell Royal. He completed five marathons and countless other races, some while pushing a double baby jogger, and coached many of his kids’ teams. Most recently, he volunteered for Ursuline Academy’s cross-country team, where he was affectionately known as “Coach Dad.”
With a law career spanning 46 years, Kim was nearly as dedicated to his profession as he was to his family. He was President of The Wade Law Firm, P.C., specializing in federal criminal defense and real estate and handling closings for Stewart Title. Previously, he served as an attorney with Geary, Stahl and Spencer and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. Kim was a member of the State Bar of Texas and American Bar Association and a Life Fellow of the Texas Legal Foundation. His penchant for helping others carried over to his legal career, where he seemed to spend as much time on pro bono work for people in need as he did on actual billable work. Kim was also involved in many organizations and charities, including as a former member of the St. Rita Parish Council, Trustee of The Catholic Foundation, President of the Board of West Dallas Community Centers, Inc. and director and officer of the St. Thomas More Society and YWCA Girls Adventure Trails.
Kim is survived by his loving family: wife Suzanne Wade; children and spouses Matt and Annie Wade, Rachel and Alex Robertson, Becky and Will Firth and Luke and Kelly Wade; siblings and spouses Michele Wade, Hank and Kristin Wade, Wendy and David Ballew and Bari Wade; in-laws Jeff Sanderson and Sara Case, Chris Sanderson, Tony Ladds and Darrow Montgomery; grandchildren Addie, Emmie, Hallie and Jack Robertson, Colt and Charlie Wade, Wade Firth and Hank Wade; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Yvonne and Henry Wade, in-laws Bob and Barb Sanderson and sisters-in-law Joann Ladds, Debbie Sanderson and Amy Sanderson.
Kim was a long-time parishioner of St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas, where the Rosary will be recited on Friday, April 26 at 7:00 pm and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 27 at noon, Rev. Joshua Whitfield, celebrant. A reception will follow in the Parish Commons. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to The Catholic Foundation (designate the Kim Wade Charitable Fund) or Ability Connection Texas.
Published by Dallas Morning News on Apr. 21, 2024.
