Wade Watkins

Richard “Wade” Watkins, age 47, passed away in a tragic accident August 31, 2024. Wade was the best of the best. He was a servant leader who loved his family and friends more than anything, only surpassed by his love for God. He led his family with incredible faith. Wade had a quick wit and projected a steady, quiet confidence and wisdom.

Wade was born on July 13, 1977, in Lufkin, Texas to Rick and Selena Watkins. He attended Central ISD from kindergarten through 12th grade where he found his first love - baseball. He spent a year at Harding University before transferring to Stephen F. Austin University. There he graduated with a degree in forestry and wildlife management in 2000.

In November 2000, he married the love of his life, Ashley McClure Watkins. Wade was the ultimate family man. He was overjoyed in October 2007 with the birth of his son, Brayden, and again in December 2009 when his daughter, Josie, was born. Wade adored his children and was so very proud of them. For the last seventeen years, Wade worked for Terracon where he most recently served as the Senior Associate Department Manager. He was a compassionate leader who truly valued his team. He was an active member of the Hills Church, where he played softball and volunteered for Academy Four, a mentorship program for fourth-grade students.

Wade was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, hiking, and anything in nature. He was at the deer lease, one of his favorite places, at the time of his accident. He had spent the morning with his parents, after having his favorite meal at Morales’ Mexican food, the night before.

Wade is survived by his wife, Ashley of Arlington, Texas, and his children, Brayden (16) and Josie (14); his parents, Rick and Selena Watkins of Lufkin; sister and brother-in-law, Wendy (Watkins) Bazemore and Ty of Waxahachie; mother-in-law, Sharon McClure and husband Fred Hendricks of Kerrville; sisters-in-law, Heather McClure of Dallas and Meredith (McClure) Bland of Fulshear; brothers-in-law Grant McClure and wife Stacy (Lufkin) and Dane Cofer (Dallas). Nephews- Charlie Bland, Slade and Collin Carter, TJ Cofer, David and Marshall McClure; nieces, Caroline and Campbell Bland, Madeline and Vivian Cofer, Madison Bazemore, and ShyAnne Phillips. Wade is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Evelyn Claiborne and Allie and Richard Watkins.

There will be a Celebration of Life in the Student Center of The Hills Church in North Richland Hills on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Academy 4 Mentor Program at www.academy4.org or physical address: Academy 4 Mentor Program, 685 John B. Sias Memorial Pkwy, Ste. 215, Fort Worth, Texas 76134.

Livestreaming of the services may be viewed at https://youtube.com/live/TDSYE-yYu34?feature=share.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.