Leroy Albert "Lee" Wade III, 49, of Easton, died of cancer Oct. 25 at home after a yearlong illness.

Mr. Wade was born Dec. 18, 1956, in Annapolis, and was the son of Margaret Peggy and Leroy Albert Wade Jr. of Annapolis.

Over a 32-year period he was owner and operator of American Cleaning Corp., Store Systems Inc., AmeriMaid, Masterworks, Cape True Value Hardware, Bebo's and Jones Station Inn restaurants and Wade Services Inc. At one time he was responsible for more than 1,000 employees as his companies provided maintenance services at major malls and retailers on the East Coast.

He was also owner of the Cape St. Claire Shopping Center and a member of the Cape St. Claire Business Owner's Association.

His interests included hunting, fishing, travel, reading, animals, helping friends in need and discussing politics.

In addition to his parents, surviving are his wife of seven years, Melissa Faye Wade; one daughter, Lizabeth N. Lewandowski of Annapolis; two brothers, Wayne Wade of Annapolis and Robert Wade of Easton; two sisters, Terry Tayloe of South Riding, Va., and Lori Alton of Annapolis.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway, where funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Talbot County Humane Society, 7894 Ocean Gateway, P.O. Box 1143, Easton, MD 21601 or Talbot County Hospice, 586 Cynwood Dr., Easton, MD 21601.

As published in "The Capital Newspaper" Annapolis, MD 10/28/2006

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Family Obituary

Leroy Albert Wade III of Easton died Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at his home surrounded by family and friends. He was 49 years old.

Born in Annapolis, Maryland, Mr. Wade, known as Lee to his many friends and associates, was the son of Leroy Albert Wade Jr. and Margaret Peggy Wade of Annapolis.

Lee was the consummate entrepreneur and successful businessman having created a myriad of prosperous companies during his career. Over a 32 year period he was the owner and operator of American Cleaning Corp., Store Systems, Inc., AmeriMaid, Masterworks, Cape True Value Hardware, Bebo's and Jones Station Inn restaurants, and Wade Services, Inc. At one time he was responsible for over 1,000 employees as his companies provided maintenance services at major malls and retailers from Boston, Massachusetts, through the mid Atlantic states and Florida. Mr. Wade was an owner of the Cape St. Claire Shopping Center and a member of the Cape St. Claire Business Owner's Association.

More than a visionary, he was extraordinarily generous and kind, with a boundless, mischievous, sense of humor that constantly drew people to him in anticipation of his next performance. Lee was always ready to help a friend in need while preferring not to be recognized for his many selfless acts of assistance and consideration.

When time allowed, Lee enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, reading, and discussing politics. A true lover of animals, Lee leaves behind his Fabulous Five black labs; Sammy, Bubba, Tukie, Nacho, and Skyy as well as Smokie the cat.

Mr. Wade is survived by Melissa Wade, his wife of years; 7 his daughter, Lizabeth Lewandowski and her husband, Chris, of Annapolis; his parents, Leroy Albert Wade Jr. and Margaret Peggy Wade, of Annapolis; two brothers, Wayne Wade and his wife, Linda, of Annapolis, Robert Wade and his wife Lauren, of Easton; two sisters, Terry Tayloe and her husband, Keith, of South Riding, Va., and Lori Alton and her husband, Jack, of Annapolis; nine nieces and nephews, and one great niece and nephew.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31 ^st at Barranco & Sons Severna Park Funeral Home. Friends may call at the same location on Monday, October 30 ^th from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 until 8 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Talbot Hospice Foundation, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, 21601 and the Humane Society of Talbot County, 7894 Ocean Gateway, Easton, Md., 21601.