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.
I think about you often. I don't think I will ever get use to you not being here. You are one of my village people and one of my major father figures. Love you
Sorry last memory provide by ex-coworker, Kristin Redd and a fellow Veteran
Mr. Wells, you will be truly missed. You were a great supervisor, and I wish that I didn't have to be even typing a memory. You were a great leader and loved your job dealing with children. I wish I could have spent more time under your leadership, but life happens. I'll never forget the good times at Higginbotham Head Start. Even though you gave us notice on your condition, I would have never thought that I would never get to speak to or see you again. I pray for family's strength, peace, and understanding. We will never understand God's timing or understanding, but I know that you are at peace, and you are with your savior rejoicing. To his family, just know that y'all will always have a guardian angel. R.I.H. to Richard Wells, a true Pittsburg Steelers Fan. May God's bless and keep your family.
My prayers to his family ...he was so friendly to me as I trained at his center. He was fair and he was laid back
You will be missed. We will keep your family lifted up in prayer during this difficult time and the days there after. Rest in Power!! Our deepest condolences!!
Prayers and condolences to the family of Richard Wells. Thank you for our talks you'll going to be missed.God's Blessings and Heavenly Peace. Eric Waddell
Our family holds many happy memories of the Wells family from our soccer years when Ricky and my son were members of a traveling team. We mourn your loss, Earnestine, Leslie, and Ricky. May your wonderful memories bring you comfort.
From Day1 you remained genuine. Love to you Sir! Rest Well- we miss you!
Deepest sympathies from the Stackhouse family. May God keep you and give you strength done this time of Sorrow. May happy and joyful memories fill your heart and give you strength as well.
Richard and I both worked for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice at one time. He was a respected colleague and he had an earnest desire to serve children and teens who were having difficulties. Richard was affable and contributed much to our organization. I retired in 2009 and I had not seen him since that time that I recall. My heartfelt sympathy goes to his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. Michael P. Dansereau
Richard had such a big heart and would go far a beyond to lend a helping hand. The years we sung together with " Men of Faith", will be a great experience i will never forget! My wife and I give our condolences to the Well's family. Richard rest in peace!
My condolences to the family.Richard worked for me part-time for several years at the Columbus Civic Center until my departure. He was dependable, punctual, and very no nonsense! He will truly be missed. Rest Richard...well done, we will take it from here.
On behalf of the Gadsden/Etowah Progress Council Head Start Early Head Start Program I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Mr. Richard Wells. It is our fervent prayer that the GOD we serve will give comfort and strength to each of you in this time of loss.Please cast all your cares upon HIM and HE will keep your minds and hearts in perfect peace.Amen!
Our deepest condolences to the Wells family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Region IV Head Start Association Board of Directors and Staff
My condolences to the Family of Ret. Captain Richard Wells, Jr. I had the honor of working with Mr. Wells for three years. Mr. Wells was such a hard worker and he was passionate about helping families in this community. - K. McRae
Our condolences to Dr. Wells, Leslie, Ricky and all the Wells Family. We will miss Minister "Dean" Wells. He acquired the title Dean Wells by all the members at Oasis because he was appointed Dean over the SMTI courses offered some years ago. Dean was faithful and always willing to work in whatever capacity and wherever there was a need in the church. We will miss him dearly but we have hope in Christ Jesus for all believers that we will meet again. So to Dr. Ernestine and the family hold fast to this HOPE and know that Jesus loves us and will not allow us to be tempted above that we are able, but will with the temptation make a way of escape that we are able to bare it. Dean is healed now and has been promised everlasting life. May the Holy Spirit comfort your hearts. Love you, Brenda Tarver
We thank God for sending Mr.Wells to Higginbotham. God decided to call you home. When those gates swing open, Having the faith, you walk-in. You will be truly missed.-Rosa Stickney
My Deepest Heartfelt Condolences To The Family! Mr. Wells was such an Awesome Center Manager and great friend with a spirit that was unmatched! Thank you for blessing me with your knowledge and wisdom! I will truly truly miss you my friend! To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord! I love you and Rest In Peace -Nita
Words is all I can say is that I can call Bro. Wells my friend. I saw him as a quite spiritual man and very devoted to his church . It was an honor working and fellowshipping with him.
Thank you Mr.Wells for your knowledge and wisdom. You will truly be missed.May the Lord give his family strength at this time of bereavement. -Whitney Mennifee
Mr. Wells I am so happy to have known you. The children love you as much as your staff does! You have made a legacy built on kindness empathy and compassion and your spirt will live on. May God bless you with eternal peace and happiness. -Kristina Meikle
The Higginbotham Center will never be the same without Mr. Richard Wells Jr. presence. We are all heart broken by his sudden demise. I personally appreciate his wisdom and knowledge that he instilled into me (Ms. Valencia Smith). With this being said, God knows what is best for us.
"May God Bless You"
My condolences to the family! Mr. Wells was a great person with a big heart! Always there when you need him! And the best center manager I could ever ask for. I will truly miss you. May you continue to rest in peace. I love you dearly.
Tasha A.
Heartfelt Sympathy to the family of Mr. Richard Wells. God bless you all.
So sorry to hear about Richard. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. We have fond memories of all those years at soccer games. Wayne and Linda Gordon
We are so sorry to hear about Mr. Wells. We will certainly miss seeing him at our office. Dr Brett Helton, D.M.D. and staff
Mr. Wells my brother and mentor, Thank you for the knowledge and wisdom, you will be missed. I will continue praying for the strength of the family through this hard time.
-Marcus R.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Captain Wells. He was our Company Commander at the 2nd MASH at Fort Benning in 1994. Rest In Peace Sir.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.