Wade Petrik, 52, aka “Dixie Normous” of Dallas died peacefully at his home on Newton Avenue in Oak Lawn on Feb. 3, 2012.
Petrik was born Sept. 8, 1959 in Burlington, N.J., to Marianne and Bill Petrik. He grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas.
He loved his co-workers at Kroger on Cedar Springs, where Wade was a floor supervisor and an impromptu entertainer.
Blessed with an extraordinary sense of humor, Petrik always had an audience. Some may even remember his debuts at “The Does Your Mother Know Show.” He also worked the back door at the Round-Up Saloon, so if you tried to sneak in, he probably busted you.
Petrik is survived by his best friend, Rudy Leal; sisters, Dr. Trish Dodd, and Jessie Klein and her daughters; and a long list of wonderful friends in the gay community, who were truly family.
Services will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Cathedral of Hope, 5910 Cedar Springs Road. Wade loved his furry friends, especially his beloved companion, Randy, so please make donations to your local animal rescue group.
Everyone who knew him enjoyed his sense of humor and his great smile. We have lost too many too soon! Rest in peace our dear freind. DKH Akron, Ohio
loved him like a brother. Wade was there when my daughter, Cameo was born., his niece. He was the best . Wade may you be in Heaven fifteen minutes before the Devil knows you’re dead! Love la lil bro ! Terri (sista)
I will never forget you! You were a gift sent from God for the little time I had you. I know that you are up there in Heaven with your mom, dad, brother and so many beloved kin and all your furry animals. Give Randy a big hug for me! You will always have a place in my heart and life. I will always love you! Thanks for your LOVE! Missing you…….
Dear Uncle Wade, I can’t tell you how much you meant to me. I can’t begin to tell you how much light and humor you brought into my life. I just hope you knew it and that I let you know while you were still here. We had many conversations during your last year and I’ll never forget…”Get OFF my bench” and “Have your roots done” and all the Steel Magnolia quotes that we would laugh at together. I’ll never have anyone so accepting and loving in my life again…nobody to be able to lift me up with just a simple sentence. We didn’t get long enough together uncle Wade! I know you would say not to blame myself and I would tell you the same. I think to whine about it and can hear you clear as day say “Ouiser, can we call a truce long enough for me to get a piece of cake”? I loved you so much and I was selfish and I grieve you selfishly because I don’t want you gone. I miss you and loved you…love you still. I know you have found peace and wish the best for me. Your Obit doesn’t mention me and Cameo like I know you would have wanted but WE know how you felt about us…that is all that matters to us now. Rest in Peace dear Uncle Wade. We will always remember you and your beautiful soul.