Richard Wells
January 20, 1947 – May 25, 2020
Richard Wells, 73, of Lake Talquin, FL, passed away Monday, May 25, 2020, at Mitchell County Convalescent Center in Camilla, GA. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Mr. Wells, the son of the late William “Billy” F. and Lillie Mae Whitfield Wells, was born on Jan. 20, 1947 in Grady County. On Feb. 29, 1968, he married June Walden Wells, who survives. He graduated from Cairo High School, Class of 1966, and from Thomas Technical College in August 1968 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. On Dec. 5, 1968, Mr. Wells was drafted and served a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam with the United States Army. After two years in the Army, he joined his family business, Cairo Auto Supply. He and his wife, June, worked together until their retirement in 2009 when they relocated full time to Lake Talquin. He loved anything outdoors and mentored many young men in the art of hunting and fishing. The Ochlocknee River is where he spent many hours with nature. He was also a self-taught taxidermist.
He raised his son, Chip, to love and respect nature as he did, although, he seemed to forgo mentioning boundary lines or even state law in some of his teachings. In 2017, he was blessed with a daughter-in-law, who provided two grandsons, who were also able to experience and benefit from his teaching. At a young age, he joined the First Baptist Church of Cairo and remains a member.
He is survived by the love of his life, June Walden Wells of Lake Talquin, FL; a son, Richard Franklin “Chip” Wells (Crystal) of Cairo, GA; two grandsons, Tanner and Alex; sisters-in-law, Linda Wells of Cairo, GA, Sharon Wells of Big Canoe, GA, Joyce W. Hancock (Bobby) of Cairo, GA, Shirley P. Walden of Whigham, GA, Marie Walden of Columbus, GA, and Gerrie Walden of Las Cruces, NM; a brother-in-law, Ken Walden (Nancy) of Whigham, GA; and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, William Thomas “Tommy” Wells and Dan A. Wells.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter, 8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 400, McLean, VA 22102; or a charity of your choice.
