BURGAW — John Washington Reade, III, age 69, of Oak Island, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, friend and colleague. John left behind a legacy of love, laughter and kindness that forever will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
John was born August 16, 1954 in Pender County, NC, son of the late John and Eloise Reade, and younger, loving brother of Sherry Reade Groves. From the very beginning, John brought a sense of joy, light and humor wherever he went. From the “Burgaw Space Agency” to practical jokes on colleagues of his, he was forever finding ways to make those around him laugh.
He pursued his education with dedication and earned an associates degree in radiologic technology, a field he excelled in and truly enjoyed during his early years. Later in life, he became a Health Physics Technician at Brunswick Nuclear Plant, where he worked for 35 years before retiring.
On July 20th, 1996, John married his soulmate and the love of his life, Pam Webb. With that marriage, he became the father of his adored daughter, Kelsey, who admired and cherished his love since he came into her life when she was 3 years old. For 27 beautiful years, John and Pam shared a bond that was unbreakable, a partnership built on love, respect, and unwavering commitment. Their marriage was a shining example of what true love and partnership looked like, inspiring all who knew them.
In addition to his dedication to his family, John was known for his great sense of humor and infectious laugh. He was a jokester, always ready with a witty remark, or a clever, although sometimes dry, quip to lighten the mood. His jolly and upbeat personality made him a joy to be around, and his positive outlook on life was truly remarkable, even until the very end. John was never one to complain, always choosing to focus on the good, and find reasons to be grateful, even in the face of adversity.
Family meant everything to John, and he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. His dog, Ruger, held a special place in his heart and was truly his “baby”, bringing him endless joy and companionship. John’s love for his family was evident in everything he did, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In his free time, John enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests that brought him immense pleasure. He was a huge fan of NASCAR, fire trucks and ambulances, finding joy in listening to the police scanner and the heroic work of emergency responders. In his younger years, John enjoyed golfing, a sport he indulged in whenever he had the opportunity. He also immensely loved buffets and laughing with his family around the dinner table. In his younger years, he enjoyed the outdoors; fishing, camping, and bonfires. John, or “Johnny” as he was affectionately known by his family and friends in Burgaw while growing up, delighted in making grocery deliveries in the back of the “Green Goose”, an old Chevy truck. Christmas was his favorite time of year and he always enjoyed Christmas lights and being with family.
John Washington Reade III was truly a remarkable individual, a beacon of light in a sometimes dismal world, and his memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to call him family, friend or colleague. May his soul rest in eternal peace in the arms of Jesus, knowing that he was deeply loved and will never be forgotten.
Survivors include his wife; Pam Reade; a daughter, Kelsey Rooks; his fur baby, Ruger; a sister, Sherry Groves and husband Charlie; and many loved nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at First Baptist Church, Oak Island. The family will have visitation from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. prior to the service at the church. A graveside committal service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024 at Riverview Cemetery in Willard, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ALS United North Carolina at www.alsnc.org or to Charlotte Baker Memorial Fund at www.cbmemorialfund.com, or to Oak Island Fire Station 1, 101 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island, NC 28465, or to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made here.
