Wade Hawks Dougherty, 51, of Salem, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 3, from his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on April 25, 1969, son of the late John Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Swan Dougherty.
As a student at Rowan College of South Jersey, Wade took criminal justice courses which assisted him in earning a position in Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino. However, his passion for cooking was prominent and was evident in his skills as a short order cook at Ms. Kitty’s Restaurant in Salem.
He remained faithfully employed at Ms. Kitty’s, where numerous friendships were made for numerous years until his health declined and he was forced to retire. Wade continued to keep up with the friends he made as he transitioned into staying at home helping care for his grandchildren.
When not at work, Wade was known as an avid hunter, as well as his skill in crocheting. As a member of Unity Church of the Roanoke Valley, Wade was a proud member of the choir and love to spend time practicing and being with the other choir members. Along with this, he also crocheted prayer shawls for the church members and others who were ill. Above all, he will be remembered as a loving grandfather, father, husband and friend to many. No one was ever a stranger to Wade.
In addition to his parents, Wade was preceded in death by his aunt, Ruth Ann Schermerhorn and her husband Glen; and his brother, Michael Patrick Dougherty.
Family remaining to cherish his memory includes his wife of 26 years, Alisia Bender-Dougherty; children, Brandi Bender, Joe Bender (Sabrina), Wade Dougherty, Jr. (Alisha), and Kevin Dougherty; grandchildren, Michael, Christian, Dylan, Isis “Sissy”, Amythest, Claire, Saffyre, Ruby, and Reid; siblings, John “Jack” Dougherty, Ruth Ann Turner, Thomas Dougherty, Joseph Dougherty, Joann Murray, and Marie Monperosso; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Wade’s life will be announced at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to Wade’s family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
