Wade Wallihan Massie

Wade Wallihan MassieOctober 25, 1951 - February 21, 2026Wade Wallihan Massie passed away peacefully at his home on February 21, 2026.Wade was born to Wade Hampton Massie III and Grace Wallihan Massie on October 25, 1951, in Front Royal, Virginia. He was the eldest of five siblings whom he cherished deeply.Wade attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, and later the University of Virginia. Many enduring friendships were formed during these years. After graduating, he attended the T.C. Williams School of Law in Richmond, Virginia and graduated in 1977 as a member of the McNeill Society.Wade moved to Abingdon, Virginia in 1977 and joined Penn, Stuart, Eskridge and Jones. He often spoke of his first years at the firm and the mentors who shaped him.Wade met the love of his life, Meredith Smith, in Bristol in 1981. They were married in June of 1983 and built a beautiful life together over 42 years. Wade and Meredith have three children who were Wade's proudest accomplishments and greatest joys.Wade built a distinguished name for himself in the legal community throughout Virginia beginning in 1977. He was determined to work harder and be more prepared than anyone else. He tried hundreds of cases in federal court and in numerous courts in Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee. He argued cases before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and in the appellate courts of these states as well. He was active in many local and state bar organizations and was a generous mentor and teacher to countless young lawyers. He was especially proud of his induction as a Fellow of the American Academy of Trial Lawyers.More recently, he enjoyed working alongside the founders of the Mendota Trail Conservancy in the development and opening of the Mendota Trail, a beautiful hiking and bike path. His legal career of nearly 50 years, all at PennStuart, was a testament to his unwavering dedication to the law, his integrity, his pursuit of excellence, and his deep love for serving his clients and community.Wade approached every aspect of life with the same passion and preparation that defined his career. He coached all of his children's soccer teams for many years, traveling throughout the Southeast on countless weekends. He was generous with his time and never missed an opportunity to encourage someone. He sent the most thoughtful greeting cards, made holidays magical with traditions and eloquent blessings, and captivated everyone with his unmatched storytelling. When Wade spoke, people listened.He never forgot his formative years in Washington, Virginia. Many of his favorite lessons and stories came from his time working on the family farm. He was an avid fan of the University of Virginia and the Washington Redskins, remaining loyal through every season.Wade was predeceased by his grandparents, Pearl and George Wallihan and Ada Mae and Wade Massie; his parents, Wade and Grace Massie; his sister, Brooke Massie; and his mother- and father-in-law, Gwen and Karl Smith.He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Meredith; his children who adored him, Gwen Wind (Ryan), Grace Harrison (JP), and Wade Massie (Mary West); his brothers Mike Massie (Toni), George Massie (Katie), and his sister Nancy Wiley (Justin); his sister-in-law Sherry Crumley (Jim), and brother-in-law Tom Smith (Barbara); and his five beloved grandchildren, Cooper, Meredith, and Wallihan "Wally" Wind; and Jack and Will Harrison, who lovingly called him "D-Daddy." He is also survived by his aunt and uncle, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.A service will be held at State Street United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 1 p.m. A separate service will be held in Washington, Virginia at a later date.Memorials may be made to The Mendota Trail Conservancy at mendotatrail.org or State Street United Methodist Church at statestreetumc.com.Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at akardfuneralhome.comAkard Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Massie family.