Clyde Edward Wade of Winnsboro, SC, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, August 21, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born in Nellysford, Virginia, on November 11, 1946, he attended Nelson County schools. Clyde began his career with Dupont in Waynesboro, VA, before transferring to the Camden, SC, plant in 1977. There, he managed the powerhouse and retired after 35 years of dedicated service.

Before moving to Camden, Clyde combined his love of baseball with his heart for mentoring by running the Waynesboro Generals summer league baseball team in 1975. Many of the young men he guided during those years went on to become lifelong friends, several of whom went on to have successful careers in Major League Baseball. His passion for the game continued for decades, as he coached in recreational leagues, with Camden American Legion Post 17, and later at Richard Winn Academy in Winnsboro. It was often said that Clyde had forgotten more about baseball than most people would ever know. A lifelong, die-hard New York Yankees fan, Clyde’s greatest joy was not in watching the game, but in sharing it with others.

Above all else, Clyde’s true love was his family, his wife of 58 years, Robby Lynn; his son, Jeff (Page); and his three grandchildren, Madison, Hudson, and Lawson. Robby Lynn was his constant companion, you rarely saw one without the other, and during his eight-month illness she never left his side, serving as his devoted caregiver and meeting his every need. Anyone who met Clyde quickly learned about his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. For more than two decades, he and Robby Lynn were fixtures at every one of their sporting events, cheering them on from the time they were toddlers until adulthood. Clyde was happy to know that he would soon be gaining another grandson, Madison’s fiancé, Carson Lowder.

Second only to his family was his fondness for his animals, his loyal dogs, Whitey I and Whitey II (named for Yankees legend Whitey Ford), his rescue cat, Catfish (named for pitcher Catfish Hunter), and his Black Angus cows, especially Angel, her calf Fancy, and his beloved pet cow, Kate.

Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Marguerite Wade, and by his brothers O.J. Wade (Betty) and Charlie Wade (Cindy). He is survived by one brother, Bliss Wade, and one sister, Mildred Wade.

Clyde’s legacy is one of devotion, to his family, his community, his co-workers and those he supervised at Dupont, and the countless players and friends whose lives he touched through his love of baseball. He was well respected in his supervisory role, known for his steady leadership and fairness.

This final tribute was written by his favorite daughter-in-law who was the only one who could keep him in line.

A memorial service to celebrate Clyde’s life will be held at a later date.

Clyde was generous to those in need, and the best way to honor his memory is through giving. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Connie Maxwell Children’s Home in Greenwood, SC, First Baptist Church of Winnsboro, or The Gideons International.