Glenn Richard Wells

Glenn "Big Richard" Wells died on September 1, 2012 at Woodstock Nursing and Rehab in Woodstock,Georgia. The body was cremated.

Richard was born on September 19, 1946 in Birmingham, Alabama to William and Louise Wainwright Wells. He grew up in Birmingham and attended Westside High School where he excelled in swimming and Basketball and even won a basketball scholarship to Memphis State University. Due to unfortunate circumstances, he was unable to take advantage of the scholarship and moved to Atlanta in the 1960's where he went to work as a surveyor/carpenter foreman on the many new high-rises that were under construction during Atlanta's boom time.

At 6'8" and 352 pounds, Richard was as easily recognizable person who was know as "Tree" and "Big Richard." His easy-going nature, his willingness to help anybody in need, and his non-critical acceptance of the many people encountered, made him truly a Gentle Gaint. He was popular, fun-loving guy who enjoyed motorcycles, boating, working-out, pool-shooting and arm-wresting in the various pubs around Atlanta, where he was known as the unofficial arm-wrestling champion of Buckhead/midtown. Richard loved animals, and unlike many men, he was not embarrassed to admit his love for cats.

In 1984, Richard married Eileen Sullivan of Atlanta. When their daughter, Hilary, was born in 1985, Richard became a father for the first time and called it the happiest day of his life. In 1987 he moved his family to Woodstock and went to work for Bay,Lingerfelt and Lord, a utility contracting company. Richard was a very tough nut, battling back from grueling, painful radiation treatments for cancer in 1999 and surviving a broken neck from a motorcycle accident in 2005. A major stroke in August 2010 left the big man paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak, yet he ramained upbeat, smiling and laughing with other residents of Woodstock Nursing Home, where he received excellent care from its outstanding staff members.

A memorial service was held on September 29, 2012 at Woodstock Funeral Home. The service was conducted by Rev. Ken Smith of the First Baptist Church of Woodstock, where Richard attended Sunday services prior to his illness. Richard is survived by his daughter Hilary Wells of Woodstock; wife, Eileen Sullivan of Woodstock; sister, Linda Farley(Jim) of Woodstock; brother, James Wells (Beth) of Blythe, California: and five nieces and nephews.