Mr. Wade Lee Russell, 84, passed away Monday, June 22, 2026, at his home in Pocomoke City, with his loving wife of 65 years, Jeanette, by his side. Wade was the son of the late George Alonzo Russell and Virginia Lee Rayfield Shrieves.
He is survived by two loving and dedicated sons, Wade Lee “Russ” Russell Jr. (Mary), of Florida, and Roderick Bryan “Rick” Russell (April), of Pocomoke City; four grandchildren, Rodney Keith Sharpley (Denise), of Chincoteague, Roderick Bryan Russell Jr. (Jennifer), of Georgia, Meghann Christine Russell, of Pocomoke City, and Jessica Lauren Russell Peters (Xavier), of Pocomoke City; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Connie Stevens, of Melfa, and Debbie Gray (Carl), of Parksley; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Brenda Joyce Russell Fisher.
Wade served briefly in the U.S. Navy. He was a former active member in Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in Pocomoke City.
Wade looked forward to spending quality time with his two sons, Russ and Rick, teaching them about hunting and fishing, and he truly enjoyed family gatherings. Among his hobbies that brought him the most pleasure were hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle.
He was a hard worker and was always ready to lend a hand when someone needed it. He worked in plumbing and construction until the age of 34. Then he was employed by the mayor and town council of Pocomoke City as an assistant supervisor in public works. Unfortunately, a job-related incident would forever change his life. He suffered a spinal injury and later had spinal surgery. He was never able to return to work.
In the months that followed, while recovering from surgery on his back in bed, he studied and earned his GED. He didn’t stop there — he continued studying and earned certificates of achievement from BEREAN School of the Bible. The certificates included Gifts of the Spirit, Missionary Principles, and Principles of Counseling.
He also studied and earned a diploma in the master course of motorcycle repair. He and his wife had a dream of opening a motorcycle business with accessories and clothing. Sadly, his dream never materialized, as his injury left him with too many disabilities to overcome. Unfortunately, and most importantly of all, those disabilities took away his quality time from his family, especially his sons, for the remainder of his life.
He will be remembered as a dedicated husband and father.
Per his family’s wishes, a private graveside service was held.
Should friends desire, contributions in Wade’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org/donate; or Boys Town, P.O. Box 8000, Boys Town, NE 68010, www.boystown.org
Memory tributes may be shared at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
