Jack Davis Wells, Sr.

Jack was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Findley Wells Pickens; father, Judson Marvin Wells; and his stepfather, John Andy Pickens. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Olivia Kindig Wells.

Jack is survived by his three children, the Honorable Judson William Wells Sr. (Barbara), Ann Wells Forney (John), and Jack Davis Wells Jr. (Melinda). He is also survived by four grandchildren, Dr. Judson William Wells Jr., Mary Shannon Hodes (August), Courtney Ann Wells, and Jack Davis Wells III, and one great-grandchild, Wells Christopher Hodes. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Margaret Wells Champion (Gene); his sister-in-law, Elaine Kindig Bagby; brother-in-law, Lamar Campbell Bagby; as well as three nephews and two nieces.

Jack grew up in Greenville, Alabama where he played sports – including football, tennis, and ping pong – and was a trumpeter in the band. In 1955, he graduated from Greenville High School and then enrolled at The University of Alabama. As a college student, he was an active member of Sigma Nu Fraternity where he served as Treasurer and House Manager. While in Tuscaloosa, his deep affinity for his alma mater and its Crimson Tide athletic teams became a lifelong passion.

After graduating from the University in 1959, Jack accepted a position as an insurance agent with Liberty National Life Insurance Company in Columbus, Georgia. This life-altering choice led to a blind date with his future wife, Olivia Kindig, who was a student at nearby Auburn University. After his marriage to Olivia, Jack was offered a position at the company’s headquarters in Birmingham where he and Olivia raised their family. Throughout his steady 43-year career, he held various managerial positions within the company until his retirement in 2002 as an executive within the Agency Division. As a true “company man” dedicated to his work, Jack never wavered in his loyalty to his Liberty National family.

After his retirement at age 65, Jack enjoyed golfing with his longtime Saturday morning group, participating in church activities and volunteer projects with Olivia, and being an avid supporter of University of Alabama athletics. He also cherished being a grandfather and was devoted to his four grandchildren.

Jack will be remembered for his rock solid dependability, a strong work ethic, sense of fairness, and for his love of family. He had a sensitive, kind heart and always believed in looking out for people in need. A serious and caring person by nature, Jack’s word was his bond and he lived by his lifelong motto – do the right thing.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held in Jack’s honor at Trinity United Methodist Church in Birmingham on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. Family will receive guests beforehand for visitation at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made in Jack Wells Sr.’s memory to Children's Hospital of Alabama at give.childrensal.org online. The University of Alabama (REACH Program) or to Trinity United Methodist Church, Birmingham.