April 27, 2016
NASHVILLE – Bill Wade, the quintessential Vanderbilt Man who earned prominence as a football player, business and civic leader, will be remembered at a memorial service this weekend in his hometown.
Members of the university community, former Vanderbilt players and alumni, and Commodore fans are invited to attend the memorial, which starts Saturday at 11 a.m., in First Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of Franklin Road and Tyne Boulevard.
Mr. Wade, a former Vanderbilt All-America quarterback and No. 1 overall NFL Draft selection who guided the Chicago Bears to a world championship, died in Nashville on March 9 at the age of 85 after suffering from poor health for many years.
Mr. Wade is considered one of Nashville’s greatest all-time athletes. Born and raised in the city, he was a standout running back at Montgomery Bell Academy before signing a scholarship just down West End Avenue at Vanderbilt where his father, “Pink” Wade, had served as a captain for Dan McGugin’s 1921 squad.
After starring on Vanderbilt’s freshman squad in 1948, Mr. Wade didn’t become the varsity starter until his junior season. That year, he produced the finest campaign ever by a Commodore quarterback, setting records with 16 touchdown passes and 1,596 passing yards. He also showed remarkable versatility, playing safety on defense and handling the team’s punting chores.
After establishing an array of new Vanderbilt career records with a splendid senior campaign and appearing on the cover of Look magazine, Mr. Wade was selected No. 1 overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1952 NFL Draft.
Off the football field, Mr. Wade was a stellar student at Vanderbilt, serving as class president, member of the student senate, and vice president of the Student Christian Association. As a senior, he was voted as the university’s “Bachelor of Ugliness” – Vanderbilt’s most coveted award for a male undergraduate.
Mr. Wade’s NFL career did not begin until 1954 due to a two-year military duty. He enjoyed a 13-year NFL career, earning All-Pro honors with the Rams and Bears. Known for his durability and dedication to the team, Mr. Wade became a favorite of Chicago owner George Halas, and guided the Bears to the 1963 NFL title by rushing for of the team’s touchdowns in a 14-10 victory over the New York Giants.
Mr. Wade’s NFL career ended after the 1966 season. In 128 games, he threw for 18,530 yards and 124 touchdowns.
Mr. Wade returned to his hometown upon leaving the NFL, and embarked on a distinguished 23-year career with Nashville’s Third National Bank. He also became devoted to numerous community activities, especially working with young people through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization.
Mr. Wade’s status as a Commodore legend was recognized in 2008, when he was inducted in the inaugural Vanderbilt Athletics’ Hall of Fame class.
For those unable to attend the memorial, the family will host a visitation Friday at the church from 5-7 p.m.