Kade Parmelly Memorial Scholarship
W. Kade Parmelly was born in Abilene, TX, to Bryan and Shawna Parmelly on September 22, 1998.
Kade attended Wylie ISD schools and graduated from Wylie High School in 2017. He lettered in football, was elected a captain his senior year, and received the Don Mauser Award for Desire, Determination, and Dedication. Kade served in the National Honor Society, was a member of PALS, and was chosen as Prom King.
Receiving a football scholarship from Abilene Christian University, Kade was a four-year letterman, elected a team captain his senior year, and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2020 with a degree in Kinesiology.
Receiving an extra year of eligibility, Kade accepted a full football scholarship to attend Duke University, playing for one more year, and was selected for the All-Academic Team for the Atlantic Coast Conference. He received his Master’s Degree in Management Studies from Duke University in 2022.
Kade's Legacy
Kade was passionate about Jesus, his family, friends, and football.
He was able to integrate his love of Jesus and sports by serving as an avid supporter of FCA while participating in extracurricular activities at Wylie ISD, Abilene Christian University, and Duke University.
Kade loved his family with a sincere devotion to his faith and God. He always remembered a family creed: “Remember who you are and where you came from!”
Kade, who inspired teammates and classmates with his battle with leukemia, passed away on July 7 at the age of 24.
At Kade's memorial service, Brian Parmelly, Kade's father, said he taught his son all he could for many years. More recently, Kade was teaching him. He was good with that.
In a video clip, Kade advised taking advantage of every day. "It could be your last," he said. His last day came all too soon, leaving the Wylie, ACU, and faith communities, and those living in the other rings that were his life saddened.
This scholarship fund honors the young man who lived life to the fullest.
Eligibility
- A graduate from a school in Taylor County or surrounding county.
- Active participant of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) preferred.
- Must be planning to attend Abilene Christian University.