Robert Dial Wells

COLUMBIA - Colonel Robert Dial Wells died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, November 2, 2015. Born January 1, 1920 in Young County, Texas to Hawes and Mabel Wells, he was one of nine children. Mr. Wells graduated from Texas A&M College in 1941 and went to work for the USDA Soil Conservation Service in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He was a Soil Scientist until his retirement in 1975. Mr. Wells was also a lifelong proud member of the United States Marine Corps. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, he signed up as an aviation cadet in the Navy. In the Navy he trained to be a fighter pilot, later transferring to the Marines where he was affectionately known as “Oily”. His favorite plane to fly was the Corsair and he liked to say it was the best ever plane to fly as long as you weren’t being shot at. He was deployed in Operation Downfall in 1945 and continued to patrol the Pacific after the Japanese surrender. He again deployed with Ground Forces to Korea in 1951 to coordinate ground forces with air based troops and supplies. He counted his service with the marines as some of his strongest bonds. Semper Fi was his lifelong motto that he lived out each day. He was often heard to declare, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” Robert was a faithful member of North Trenholm Baptist Church for 48 years. He served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher for most of those years. His faith was strong and enduring and all who knew him saw this in the way he lived every day of his life. Mr. Wells was an avid reader coming home weekly from the library with 10 or more books on a variety of topics. He was a proud member of Toastmasters for 30 years and was an enthusiastic speaker. Gardening became a favorite hobby of his after retirement and he was known to plant well over 3000 flowers in his yard every spring and fall for all to enjoy. Robert was a health enthusiast. He ate predominantly fruits and vegetables and lean meats. He enjoyed excellent health throughout his life, walking three miles a day well into his 90’s. He encouraged others to be healthy too with his well known plan for longevity, “genes, beans, miles and smiles.” Robert offered encouragement to everyone he met with his signature, loud greeting, “Hello Friend!” His favorite piece of advice to all was “have a little fun every day,” which he did. Robert met and married Myrtle Weaver of Canton, Georgia in 1949. She was truly the “love of his life”. They were married for 56 years and were blessed with six children, 11 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. In addition to their own children and grandchildren, the Wells loved and welcomed ALL children into their home and family. Their home was well known for always being open and warm. Their dinner table was always full of food, friends, family, love and laughter. Uncle Robert was a favorite among his many nieces and nephews. They all fondly remember him reciting animatedly his favorite poem “The Cremation of Sam McGee” and his adventure outside at night pointing out the constellation Orion. All who knew Robert loved him and will not soon forget him as one of the kindest and best Americans of the greatest generation. Mr. Wells was predeceased by his wife, Myrtle; his daughter, Nancy; and his son, Ben. He is survived by his children, Margie Welch, Sally Koon (Wayne), Evelyn Fletcher (John), Ken Wells (Lisa); his 11 grandchildren and his five great-grandchildren. The family wishes to extend its gratitude to the caregivers at Generations of Irmo and All Seasons Hospice and All Seasons Medical Associates for the exceptional care they provided our father in his final days. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2015, at North Trenholm Baptist Church, with burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to North Trenholm Baptist Church, 6515 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206.