Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 8, 2026

CHARLOTTE - Larry Oscar Wade, 81 passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on September 8, 2026.  He was born on May 19, 1945, in Richmond Virginia to the late Oscar and Martha (Pascoe) Wade.

Larry grew up in Blacksburg, VA working on the family farm.  Upon graduation, he enlisted and served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force from 1964-1968  domestically and in Vietnam.  During his service he worked as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist, Mechanic and Pilot.  While in the Air Force he was awarded a Bronze Service Star and several medals for his honorable service.  After the Air Force, Larry’s home base was in New Port News, VA.  He spent an ever changing fulfilling career as an Engineer at Lockheed Martin (formerly, Lockheed Engineering and Science Co.), providing engineering and scientific support to NASA and U. S. Defense Agencies.  His career allowed him non-stop traveling exposing him to exciting adventures.  He was fortunate to have visited every country he wanted to with his favorites being, Thailand, Fiji and Brazil.

Larry had a broad range of hobbies and interests.  He loved traveling the world, dancing, listening to all genres of great music, playing the saxophone, HAM radio, flying giant kites, piloting remote-controlled airplanes and taking his telescopes out for night sky viewing.  Given his extensive experience working with NASA, he volunteered at the Virginia Living Museum in the Abbot Observatory and Planetarium.  He shared his expansive knowledge with guests and visitors making their time at the museum that much more special and memorable.

Larry was a life-long Christian. He lived his faith through his generosity of his time, treasure and unending knowledge.  He was not one to boast of his accomplishments, but rather speak on subjects of interest for whomever he was with.  Each year he made a point of attending the seasonal concerts at Calvary Church which he thoroughly enjoyed.  Even though he maintained a permeant residence in Virginia, over the past few years he came to call Charlotte home.

Larry leaves behind his significant other, Melissa (Missy) Ware, of 31 years, her daughters Tish Panagiotopoulos and Tina Hall; Grandsons Taki (Katie), Niko, Gavin Panagiotopoulos and Joshuah, Cody (Teresa), Payton (Allie) Hall; Great grandchildren Caroline, Landon, Bentley Panagiotopoulos and Hayden, Liam, Gael, Layla, Leandro, Hayes Hall

The family will receive friends from 10:30-11:00 on Thursday September 17, 2026, with the funeral immediately following.  The service will be held at Calvary Church in the Chapel, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road Charlotte, NC.   Following the funeral, the burial will be at 1:30 PM, Salisbury National Cemetery at 501 Statesville Boulevard Salisbury, NC 28144

In lieu of wearing traditional black, the family requests your attire be joyful colors as we celebrate Larry.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a contribution to your favorite charity in the name of Larry Wade.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral Services and Cremation, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.