Robert Ross Wade, Jr.

We sadly announce the passing of Robert “Ross” Wade Jr. He entered the fullness of Life in the Presence of the Lord on March 1, 2025.

Ross was born to Helen Johnston Wade (Hutchison) and Robert Ross Wade, Sr. on September 21, 1946, in Knoxville, TN. He is survived by his wife, Karen Lee Wade (Wiant), and celebrated 45 years of marriage on January 5, 2025. He is survived by his daughter Sarah Margaret Stitcher, Littleton, CO (Peter) and son Jonathan Ross Wade, Decatur, GA (Stephanie); beloved grandchildren Aiden, Emily, Brooks Stitcher and Wylie Wade. He is survived by his sister, Margaret Wade, Farragut, TN and nieces Sasha de Sardi-Wade, Herndon, VA and Christi Kovach, Parkville, MD (Nick); beloved grandnephews Jay Sardi-McCoy and Anthony Kovach. Ross was preceded in death by his parents and Juan Antonio de Sardi-Mellado.

Ross enjoyed scouting and earned the achievement of Eagle Scout. His artistic skills and creativeness helped out the school newspaper. He attended West High School in Knoxville, TN and received his BS in Civil Engineering at the University of Tennessee. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega, Chi Epsilon, ASCE and ASME. He served as Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy CBU 405. Ross earned his living doing what he loved as a professional Engineer and was employed by Chicago Bridge & Iron Company, CBI Constructors Ltd. (UK), RUST Engineering Company, Southern Company Services, and was self-employed as a Contractor before retiring at 70.

Ross was a life-long follower of Jesus and a member of Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed serving breakfast and assisting at South Park Baptist Church. Friends and family knew Ross as a man of integrity, uncomplaining, and a man of his word. He was known as “Papa Ross” by his four grandchildren who thoroughly enjoyed his playful spirit and his art. He left a legacy of story-telling and was passionate about archiving family history. He invested his life in people and the values he believed in. Over his 22 year battle with Prostate Cancer, Ross was a forerunner for cancer research; a willing participant for new treatment studies. He devoted time to campaigning for ZERO Prostate Cancer by advocating for funding for prostate cancer research. Ross was devoted to the following outlets that inspired and encouraged him in his cancer journey: UAB St. Vincent’s Bruno Cancer Center, General Cancer Support Group, Prostate Cancer Support Group, Art Therapy Support Group, Camp Bluebird, a Camp for Adult Cancer Survivors, ZERO Prostate Cancer, LIVESTRONG YMCA participant, Artist: ARTCARDS, Oasis Counseling, Birmingham.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, March 31, 2025 at 11:00 am, Visitation at 10:00 am, at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church, 5080 Cahaba Valley Trace, Birmingham, AL 35242. Ross will be laid to rest at the Alabama National Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following: Camp Bluebird, or The Patient Care Fund UAB St. Vincent’s Bruno Cancer Center 2728 10th Avenue South, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35205