Steve was born on April 13, 1952, in Galax, Virginia. He passed away very unexpectedly on September 18, 2022, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Sanford "Bud" Wade and Shirley Pack Wade of Fries, Virginia.

Steve is survived by the love of his life, his wife Janet Hope Wade, of their home in Galax, Virginia. He is also survived by his son Eric Steven Wade and his wife Heather Wade of Christiansburg, Virginia; his daughter Ashley Nicole Wade of Charlottesville, Virginia; three grandchildren: Maddi Wade of Honolulu, Hawaii; Hayden Wade of Radford, Virginia; and Lola Wade of Christiansburg, Virginia; and two grandpuppies: Tucker Lee of Christiansburg, Virginia and Elli Wade of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Steve was a most loving husband, devoted father, and doting grandfather "Pops". He worked tirelessly to care for his family and enjoyed spending every free moment with them. Truly, there was no limit to the lengths he would go to for them.

Since early childhood, Steve was a steadfast New York Yankees fan. He was also a dedicated supporter of the Virginia Cavaliers Basketball team, an avid reader, and loved music (especially Bob Dylan) and concertgoing. In 2021, Steve and Janet took their dream trip, travelling 10,000 miles across the US over 45 days. They explored the country together, visiting 18 states and many national parks.

A private graveside service was held at McKenzie Cemetery on September 22, 2022