of Little Rock, AR
February 20, 1920 - June 20, 2010
Charles E. ''Monk'' Wade, retired Executive Director of the Arkansas State Golf Association (ASGA) and long-time banker at Worthen Bank & Trust Company, died Sunday, June 20, at the age of 90.
Monk was born in Little Rock and earned his almost life-long nickname at an early age, being referred to as ''that little monkey'' by his grandfather for his love of climbing trees. He graduated from Central High in 1938, after lettering on the Tiger golf team and playing a 1937 state tournament match against future Country Club of Little Rock head professional Junior Lewis.
After a brief stint at Fones Bros. hardware, Monk began his banking career at Worthen in June, 1940, in a back-office clerical role. He retired 46 years later, in March, 1986, as a Senior Vice President. At the time of his retirement, he was referred to as the ''dean of Little Rock bankers'' in an Arkansas Democrat article, which noted that his career spanned from the era of adding machines and manual ledgers to that of desktop computers and ATM's.
Monk spent almost six years in the Army, including the entire period from Pearl Harbor to V-J Day. He was drafted in 1940, and served in the Coast Artillery in California for the entire war, rising to the rank of Sergeant. The major hearing challenges he faced during his later years could be traced in large part to the many hours he spent on artillery ranges during the war.
After returning to Little Rock and rejoining Worthen in 1946, Monk played on the bank's highly competitive men's fast-pitch softball teams, which frequently competed in major national tournaments and won at least one national championship in the early 50's.
Monk's career at Worthen included a variety of pioneer management roles in the 1960's. He led the bank's Credit Card and Marketing Departments at their earliest stages of development, and oversaw its rapidly expanding group of branch offices.
From the early '70's through the end of his career in 1986, Worthen's executive management team recognized Monk's natural talent for sales and public relations by making business development his primary duty. For countless Worthen customers of that era, including many of its largest, he was the face of the bank. His love for developing new business led him to continue to pursue new customers for the bank for many years after his formal retirement.
In 1975, Monk's talent for public relations and his lifelong love of golf led to his ''second calling'' the role of Executive Director of the ASGA, which at that time was a part-time position that Worthen CEO Ed Penick urged Monk to take on as a way to meet more potential bank customers.
Legend has it that at the outset of Monk's tenure with the ASGA, all of its records were delivered to his home in a shoe box. From that humble beginning, in a home office in their son's former bedroom, the ASGA grew under Monk's 15-year leadership to one of the nation's best state golf associations, one which today has several full-time paid staff members, a 3000-square foot office, and a membership of thousands of Arkansas golfers.
In 1979, Monk started the event that would become his legacy in Arkansas golf the ASGA Monk Wade Father-Son Championship. Renamed in Monk's honor by the ASGA board in 2001, the tournament provides as many as 500 Arkansas fathers and sons each year with two days of competitive golf and a popular forum for fellowship with other golfers from throughout the state.
Beginning in 2001, the ASGA board also decided that the Monk Wade Father & Son Championship would begin serving as a platform for raising awareness of the importance of early detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer. With the support of the ASGA board, Monk agreed to step forward and publicly acknowledge his own battle against prostate cancer at a time when public discussion of the disease was still uncommon. His courage in doing so was recognized for several years by the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation at its annual fundraising event, ''Boys and Their Toys.''
Monk was elected to the ASGA's Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame in 1996. His dedication to promoting scholarship among the ASGA's junior golfers was recognized in 2005 with the naming of one of the classrooms at the First Tee of Central Arkansas's Jack Stephens Golf Academy in his honor. A member of Pleasant Valley Country Club since it was Riverdale Country Club in 1965, Monk was also honored in 2002 by being named an honorary member for life by the club's Board of Governors.
In recent years, as he endured increasing health challenges and the loss of Vera, his wife of 56 years, Monk often shared that the most important things in a man's life should be faith in Christ, devotion to his family, and dedication to his job in that order. He became a Christian in 1949 and had been a member of Little Rock's First Baptist Church since that time. He often told his family and caregivers that he was ready to join God and to be reunited with Vera in Heaven. Those who loved him can rejoice that this reunion took place this Sunday morning.
Monk is survived by his son, Steve Wade, and his wife Ginger, of Little Rock, and by his grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann ''E.A.'' Wade and Jim Wade. He is also survived by his brother's widow, Pearl Wade, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Vera Croach Wade, his parents, his three brothers, and his sister.
A private burial service for the family will be held Wednesday morning, June 23. The family will receive visitors from 6 to 9 P.M. Wednesday evening at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home on Chenal Parkway. A public service in celebration of his life will be held at Little Rock's First Baptist Church, at Pleasant Valley Drive and Rodney Parham, on Thursday, June 24, at 10 A.M.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ASGA Scholarship Fund, c/o Arkansas State Golf Association, Golf House, P.O. Box 30250, Little Rock, AR 72260, the First Tee of Central Arkansas, 1 First Tee Way, Little Rock, AR 72204, or Little Rock's First Baptist Church, 62 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72212.
On behalf of Monk, his family extends its heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and staff of Pleasant Hills Retirement Center's Residential Care Neighborhood, where Monk lived from 2006 until recent weeks, the entire care team at the Baptist Health main campus, and the caregivers of Baptist Health's Parkway Health Center and Baptist Health Hospice.
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31 Condolence(s)
Mary C Spencer
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Steve,
Sorry to read of your father's passing. He was one of a kind and loved by all. I know you will miss him but know he is in a better place holding your mother's hand. May his many many memories comfort you during this time.
(former Worthen employee)
Mary
Gloria Chappelle
Sunday, June 27, 2010
I am so sorry about your loss. I met Monk when I first began working at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds and worked with him for many years. Always a smile and kind words. A true gentleman!
J.J. Scroggin
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Mr. Charles E. Wade was the "driving force" behind the Best
State Golf Association in The Country, Thank You, Mr. Wade
for your steady hand and passionate service down through
the years.
Anna (O'Donell) Cotterman
Thursday, June 24, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of serving as Mr. Wade's secretary in the early 70's and have been in touch with him through the years. He was a joy to work with--funny, caring, kind, generous, dedicated, energetic to say the least, and always a gentleman. When he was with Barton Coliseum, he made sure my daughters and I always got front row seats for the best shows, and they still remember and appreciate him. It was truly a privilege to have know him.
Be comforted in your memories of him and of how very proud he was of his "little Vera" and Steve and his grandchildren.
May God bless and care for you during this sad time
Chuck Bostwick
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Steve,
So sorry to hear of your father's passing. Reading his obituary in Tuesday's paper affirmed my understanding of why you are the quality person you are. What a wonderful person your father must have been. Marci and I share your grief at the loss of such a wonderful person, husband and father yet rejoice knowing he is now with your mother Vera and our heavenly Father. I can only image God's words upon his arrival home, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" We're praying for you and your family.—Chuck and Marci Bostwick
Brett and Debby Avery
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Uncle Monk, you will be greatly missed. Steve and Ginger, your family is in our prayers during this painful time.
Brett and Debby
Emma Lou Neal
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Steve, Your Dad was always so kind to me. He will be missed. We are just loosing so many of our good Worthen friends. I count the years I spent at Worthen some of the very best. I know you will find comfort and peace in his memory.
Pete Hornibrook
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
To The Wade Family:
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I have wonderful memories, which I will treasure for the rest of my life. What a gentleman.
You will be in my prayers.
Pam Ball
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Mr. Wade always had a smile and advice whenever he talked to me at different events we were at. He will really be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Celeste Knight
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Mr. Wade,
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is one of the toughest thing we deal with in life, but just know with God's strength you will make it through this difficult time. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Celeste Knight
Rebekah Allen
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Steve and family,
May Gods wonderful love and peace be a comfort to each one of you at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rebekah Allen
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Steve and family,
May Gods wonderful love and peace be a comfort to each one of you at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pris Skarda
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Steve and family,
I was so saddened to hear of your loss.
What a true gentleman he was. Never saw him without a smile on his face and a "tip of the hat" for all the ladies.
What wonderful memories we all have of those "good old days", and there will most certainly never be another "Monk". I feel privledged to have know him.
I will keep you in my prayers,
Pris
Ginger Hicks
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Steve,
Ron and I are so sorry to hear of your dads death. Please know that you, Ginger, EA, and Jim are in our prayers. We pray that God will give you strength to get through these next days. God bless.
Loretta Horn Lee
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
My prayers are with you and your family, Steve, how ironic our lives can be, I started my banking career with Worthen Bank in 1980 @ the Downtown location and your dad welcome me to the banking world. Today I have the pleasure of working with you @ Simmons First National in Little Rock .
Scott Schuh
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Steve...I'm so sorry to read of your Dad's passing. Back in his Worthen days, he gave me the most professional & polite phone call when I messed up my checking account and bounced a check....32 years ago. He was always a class act over his entire life. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Howard Hurst
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Steve and family,
Just read the Obituary and you have Stacy and my deepest sympathy. My Dad always thought a lot about your Dad. I know it is tough but he lead a good life and has a great son to show for it!
Judy McKellips Smith
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
I remember Mr. Wade when he would come visit Elbert Fausett back in the late 60's at Fausett Realty. He always had a smile on his face, and there wasn't any employee that he didn't acknowledge. Over the years I saw him out at different places.. He always had a kind word and acted like it was just yesterday when he last saw you. I'm truly sorry for your loss.
Laura Nix
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Steve,
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I know how much he was loved by the entire community. You and your family are in my prayers.
Kenny Harrison
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
I always enjoyed visiting with Monk when he would come in the store. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Kenny Harrison
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Steve
To know your mom and dad was a pleasure. To be able to serve them was an honor.
Pleasant Valley Country Club
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Mr. Wade has been a part of our family here at the Club as long as we've been here and to say he will be sorely missed would be a vast understatement. He was a great man. An always positive, smiling man whose presence brightened any room he entered. Our deepest condolences to his family. Your friends at PVCC.
Andy LaGrone
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and your family with the passing of Monk. Although my dad had known him for years through banking circles, I first met him in the early years of the Father/Son golf tournament. When I got to Little Rock out of college, I opened my first bank account at Worthen just becasue he was sitting in the lobby. I always felt good after saying hello to Monk.
John Hathaway
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wade though the ASGA in the mid 80s, and his warm personality and concern for was obvious. I also have had the pleasure of knowing his son and daughter-in-law for 25 years, and I just wanted to let you both know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you mourn your loss, but my smiles and laughter are also with you as you celebrate a life well and fully lived. What a great example "Monk" left for us all. Peace!
Wilma Chan
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.
Betta Carney
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
"Always a smile, telling a great joke, and making you feel better when he left"
God Bless
JOHN STRANGE
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
WHAT A GREAT MAN... ONE OFGREAT DEDICATION AND DEVOTION IN ALL HIS ENDEAVORS. HIS WONDERFUL ATTITUDE AND APPROACH WAS AN EXAMPLE IN LIFE TO ME. I WILL LONG CHERISH HIS MEMORY. MY CONDOLENCE AND SYMPATHY WITH HIGH REGARD....JOHN STRANGE
Helen McMcMaster
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
I'll never forget your hardy laugh and cheerful attitude! You made a trip through the Lobby a fun experience. The rest of us "has beens and hangers on" will miss you.
Lyndon Finney
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
I first met Monk in the 1970s when our account was at Worthen. What a friendly, courteous and vivacious gentleman. Regardless of what he was doing when I (or anyone else for that matter) walked through the lobby (my barber was in the building at that time), Monk always spoke or waved. Monk was one of those who you didn't have to ask about his Christian heritage. He lived it every day. I never pass the bank building today without thinking of Monk.
Georgia Hickey
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
What a treasure he was, and is now watching over all of us old bankers. Thanks Monk.
Janet Priest Oliver
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Steve, my heart and prayers are with you during this sad time. I always thought of your dad as another one of my dads during that time we were all so close. I remember him fondley.