Alphonso L. Wade

Alphonso L. Wade age 74, of Bluefield, West Virginia, departed this life on Saturday, May 10, 2025 in the comforts of his home.  "Fonza," as he was known to both family and friends was born on February 19, 1951 in Wilcoe, West Virginia and the son of James R. and Elizabeth (Johnson) Wade.

At an early age, Fonza joined First Baptist Church in Wilcoe.  He was a 1969 graduate of Gary High School, where he was an outstanding member of the football, basketball and track teams.  He had excelled in both football and track and held the WV State High School record for running the 100 yard dash.  Also, he was inducted in 1969 as a member of the WV All State AA Football Team.  Fonza was inducted into the McDowell County Sports Hall of Fame in 2024. 

Alphonso began an early career in the workforce, having been employed at US Steel No. 9 coal mines and Olga Coal Company.  He had worked at the Council of Southern Mountains and the Department of Health and Human Services.  In June of 2020, he retired as the Director of the Children's Home Society of WV, after 32 years of service.

While working at the Children's Home Society, Alphonso's dedication to the children was so inspiring.  He had a very special way of telling stories about the children he came to know and care for.  As a result, the Al Wade Storytelling Award was initiated.  Each year, a staff member of CHS was awarded the Al Wade Storytelling Award for submitting a special story to the Committee.

He enjoyed watching sports on television and was an avid fan of the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Alphonso was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elizabeth; his son, Brandon Wade and four of his siblings:  Amelda Johnson, Cornell, Maurice and Verona Wade.  

Alphonso leaves a lifetime of cherished memories to his devoted son and caregiver, Dustin Wade and the Mother of his sons, Sandra Wade both of Bluefield, West Virginia; his grandson, Kamari Irby of Stockbridge, Georgia; his three siblings:  Robert D.  Wade of Gary, West Virginia, Celeta and her husband, Dennis Harris and Keith and his wife, Seaondra Wade both of Charleston, West Virginia; one brother-in-law, Marvin Johnson of Chicago, Illinois and two sisters-in-law, Toni Wade of Toledo, Ohio and Jennifer Wade of Greensboro, North Carolina; a host of nephews and nieces; many cousins, co-workers and friends.  "Alphonso's retirement years was filled with memories of all the children whose lives he helped to make better."

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Restlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, 6605 New Hope Road in Bluewell, West Virginia with Reverend Donald Connor officiating.  Interment will follow in Restlawn Cemetery.  Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, until the time of Service in the Chapel.      

Services for Alphonso L. Wade entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home in Welch, West Virginia.