David Rudolph Wells

David Rudolph Wells passed on October 5, 2026, at the age of 93. Rudolph was a lifelong resident of the Cleveland Township and was the fourth of five children and last surviving son of the late Harold and Agnes Wells. In addition, he was the last surviving charter member of the Cleveland Fire Department. A 1951 graduate of Cleveland High School, 1960 graduate of NC State University and an Army veteran, Rudolph married Cleveland resident Elgie Allen in 1954, and they later had two sons. His life was one of community service while operating the local store of the day, Cleveland Emporium. The service included a nearly 30-year stint as a volunteer fireman, serving on many Johnston County government and non-profit committees, and even a board member of a small local bank.

In addition to his parents and siblings, he is also preceded in death by his wife, Elgie A. Wells.

He is survived by his sons, David Wells and his wife, Marlo, and Don Wells and his wife, Jennifer; a sister, Janie Godwin. He was blessed with six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions in his name be made to the Johnston County Firefighters Association.  

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 10:00am in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home 12830 Clayton Boulevard, Clayton, North Carolina. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.