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1937 William 2015

William R. Bill Reverend Wells

July 21, 1937 — May 20, 2015

Reverend William R. 'Bill' Wells, 77, of Johnson City, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at the Johnson City Medical Center. He was the retired senior minister of First United Methodist Church of Johnson City and the current Pastor of Austin Springs United Methodist Church. He served more than a dozen congregations in the Holston Conference over the course of fifty-five years of ministry. A native of Southwest Virginia, he was a graduate of Pocahontas High School and a proud alumnus of Emory and Henry College, where he received his undergraduate degree in History. He went on to earn his Masters of Divinity at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University where he met his wife of 54 years. Together, they had three children, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Carew Wells and Annie Kate Bradner Wells of Pocahontas, Virginia; his brother John Maurice Wells of Ocala, Florida; and his sisters Jean Wells and Peggy Wells Rodriguez both of Pocahontas, Virginia. He is survived by his wife Barbara Crumley Wells of Johnson City; two daughters, Lora Wells Mann of Suwanee, Georgia, Leisa Wells of Rogersville, TN and his son Dr. John Wells of Weaverville, NC; one sister, Betty Wells Grubb of Ocala, Florida; son-in-law Kevin Mann and daughter-in-law Shannon Earle; grandchildren Austin, Brady, Garland, Cayla, and Molly; great-grandson Brody Mann; nieces Kim Rodriguez Moon, Kathy Rodriguez Tickle, and Karen Rodriguez Carter; and nephews Jay Grubb, David Grubb, and Rodney Grubb. His was a life of prayer, books, SEC football, preaching, smart conversation, excellent wit, compassion and above all, devotion to his wife and best friend Barbara 'Bobbie.' The family of Reverend William R. ?Bill' Wells will receive friends from 4 to 6 PM Friday, May 22, 2015, in the First United Methodist Church, Johnson City. The funeral service will follow at 6 PM with Rev. Walter Weikel officiating. The graveside committal service will be conducted at 10 AM Saturday, in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Minister, family and friends are requested to meet at the funeral home by 9:15 AM Saturday to go in procession to the cemetery.

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