He was born on June 13, 1921 in Sampson County, N.C. to James W. and Frances Autrey Johnson. Wade grew up on a farm in Roseboro, N.D. His mother died and he joined the United States Army, serving during World War II until his honorable discharge. Wade married Pearl Sessions on Dec. 21, 1945 and they had two daughters, Irene and Sue. They moved to Vancouver, Wash., in the early 1950s. Wade worked as a heavy equipment operator on road construction projects, including the building of I-84 from Portland to Ontario. He loved motorcycles as well as traveling and was a member of the retreads motorcycle club.
He is survived by his daughter, Irene Johnson; brother, Jr. Johnson; grandchildren, Terry DeMello, Diana Weston, Melissa Haile, Frances (Becky) Medina, & Kimberly Medina; great-grandchildren, Skylar, Cierra, Dakota, Luis, & Christopher; cousin, Geneva Money; many nieces, nephews, and very close friends from all areas of the United States.
Wade was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Sue Gray; sisters, Berti, Lettie and Evelyn; brothers, Willie, Roy, Harvey and Miles.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Pleasant View Cemetery in Stanfield.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
