Mr. Richard Wells, Jr., 66, of Columbus, GA passed Friday, January 8, 2021 in Columbus, GA.

Graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. EST, Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery Ft. Mitchell, AL with Pastor Willie Sutton, Officiating. Visitation is Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 1-5 p.m. EST.

Richard Wells, Jr. was born on July 09, 1954, in Portsmouth, VA to the late Richard Wells, Sr. and the late Etta Virginia Wells. Richard joined New Saint Thomas Baptist Church in Portsmouth, VA at an early age where he gave his life to the Lord. He was the eldest brother of eight children.

Richard graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth, VA. He attended Norfolk State University for 2 years then went on to earn a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree from Coker College in Hartsville, SC. Richard entered the Army as a private in December of 1975 and received numerous awards and accolades during his service.

Richard has two children, his first, Leslie (1980) and for his father’s namesake Richard III aka Ricky (1983). He was stationed in several places in the States and also Korea and Germany. He retired with 20 years of service to his country as a Captain in December of 1995 and settled in Columbus, GA. After retirement, Richard obtained his Master’s Degree in Foundations of Education from Troy University and dedicated his time to his church home of Oasis Church International where he served as a minister and leader until his death.

Richard loved giving back to the community, even as recently as serving as a poll worker in the most recent election on January 05, 2021.

Richard leaves to mourn his wife of 41 years Ernestine Powell Wells; daughter, Leslie Shemille Wells of Atlanta, GA; son, Air Force Captain Richard Wells, III (Kristen) of Beavercreek, OH; grandson: Richard “Rico” Wells IV; granddaughter, Bellamy Michele Wells of Beavercreek, OH; brothers, Reginald Wells (Cheryl) of Portsmouth, VA, Eric Wells (Cynthia) of Dumfries, VA, Kenneth Wells (Montess) of Woodbridge, VA, Maurice Wells (LaJean) of Smyrna, GA, David Wells of New Bern, NC; his precious sister, Dawn Wells of Stafford, VA and preceding him in death Air Force Major Cornell Wells (Belva) Dumfries, VA; Aunt, Shirly Simmons; Uncles, Charles and Howard Bunch (all of Portsmouth, VA) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and valued friends.

Richard was an active member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He loved to sing. He was very social and was very helpful to those in need in the community.