William Wells

January 9, 1929 - January 7, 2018

Some people are born with the ability to just know things. My Dad was one of them. He was the best joke teller and would have you laughing in no time. His sense of humor was loved by all that crossed his path.

He grew up in a time when everything was organic and you could roam and play away from home without fear. He lived without electricity and running water. His father, Verlie Wells, owned the grocery store in Brighton and Dad started working there before he was old enough to start school. His mother, Jennie Lou Guthrie Wells, was a homemaker and loved to bake pies. She played the keys off the piano every Sunday at church. To say Billy saw the world change right before his very eyes is more than cliche... it’s the truth. He was 2 days shy of being 89 years old.

Dad could do most anything. He served in the Navy during the Korean War and saw the world from the deck of a destroyer and the portholes of a submarine. He was the Radioman so Morse Code became his second language. He served four years and married my mom in March of 1954 ... I was born in October of 1955, his only child.

The list of his occupations is more than the average human being so I’ll just list a few. He sold cars most of my growing up years. He even owned a car lot with his brother-law, Frank Bell, and probably was on the payroll at one time or another at all the other dealerships in Memphis. His resume is quite long as he was at one point in banking, sales, bookkeeping, landscaping, catering, restaurant owner, and investments. He left no stone unturned.

My favorite story I tell about Dad... one Sunday morning as we were walking out of the house to go to church, I looked up and asked if I had to take my Bible. He stopped and looked at me and asked this question - “Would you go to History class without your history book?” I immediately turned around and got my Bible. I can still hear those words every Sunday as I walk out the door. He taught me well about many things.

Billy was the second born of seven siblings. He has two siblings still living - his older sister, Annie Irene Wells Hill of Kingsport, TN and his youngest brother, John Earl Wells of Brighton, TN. Deceased are Whit Wells, Bob Wells, Helen Wells McQuiston, and Louise Wells Vandergrift.

Billy was an amazing grandfather to Courtni Williams Dexter, Casi Williams Conk, and Austin Wells Williams. He also loved his great grands... Derek Dexter, Jake Dexter, Dani Conk, Jessi Conk, Bennett Conk, Mason Williams and Maddie Williams.

Oh how he will be missed.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11