Elmer James “Jay” Wellons III, of Raleigh died at his home on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. He was the son of the late Elmer James Wellons, Jr. and Ruth Sanders Rose. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his twin sister, Ruth Wellons “Ginger” Anderson.
He is survived by his younger brother, Allen Hewitt Wellons (Elizabeth Hobgood Wellons), five nieces and nephews and eight great nieces and nephews.
Born on June 10, 1947, in Smithfield, North Carolina, Jay graduated from Darlington High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in economics from North Carolina State University. He served his country in the Vietnam War and later co-owned a real estate appraisal business alongside his companion and business partner, Betty Baker.
Jay possessed a deep love of travel and shared a passion for the arts with his sister, Ginger, remaining a lifelong supporter of local artists. Guided by classical stoicism, he approached the world with quiet compassion. He was a talented pool player, a proud Tar Heel, a connoisseur of fine jazz and good food, and a beloved regular at many local eateries. Jay inherited his father’s sharp sense of fashion and the sharper wit of the two brothers. Above all, he was a loving, loyal brother, uncle, partner, and friend.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 26, at 2:00 pm at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Smithfield, NC. A reception will follow in Lawrence Hall. Burial will be held in Riverside Cemetery in Smithfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Wake County at 200 Petfinder Lane Raleigh, NC 27603, or to support Jay’s beloved Tar Heels through the Carolina Athletics Excellence Fund at The Rams Club, P.O. Box 2446 Chapel Hill, NC 27515.
Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC, is serving the Wellons family.
