Wade Lance Utay's Obituary
Wade Utay, 83, of Dallas Texas passed on February 15, 2022.
He was born to Arthur Utay and Fannie Shapiro.
Wade graduated from Highland Park high school in 1956, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Oklahoma in 1961. During college at Norman, he was the sports director at the student radio station KUVY.
After college, he travelled to Annapolis Maryland and covered the Naval Academy sports during 1963-1969. As sports director at the WNAV radio station, Wade performed the play-by-play announcing for Navy’s football, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, and wrestling teams.
While in Maryland, Wade met Alline Matheny through a connection by friends. They married in 1964. Her faith in the Lord Jesus would be the Christian influence on his life.
Wade served in the United States Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1967.
Eventually Wade and Alline would move to Charleston West Virginia where she was born, and he would be the sports director and sportscaster at the Charleston television station WCHS-TV for 13 years, from 1971-1984. Wade received the West Virginia Sportscaster of the Year award for 1979.
Some of his activities during the years at WCHS-TV included; play-by-play announcer of Marshall University football and Charleston-area high school sports; radio voice for University of Charleston basketball and the 1972 Charleston Charlies baseball; West Virginia University football highlight coverage; master of ceremonies for the National Track and Field Hall of Fame and Youth Program 1975,1976,1982; coverage of the 1979 Ryder Cup Classic at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs; national elector of the 1981 Heisman Trophy.
Wade returned to Dallas in 1985 and continued play-by-play announcing for Dallas-area high school football teams. He also become the research director for an executive search firm.
He was a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church, an avid book reader, and life-long lover of sports. Wade faithfully listened to biblical preachers every morning.
Preceded in death by wife of 45 years, Alline Utay.
Surviving family; daughter Renae Wims and husband Matt Wims and their children Brendan and Kayleigh; son Lance Utay.
Graveside service will be March 9, 2022 at Restland Cemetery.
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