James Raymond Wells

MISHAWAKA, IN - James Raymond Wells, Jr. lived full life to 101 years old, and passed away peacefully on September 14th, 2017 in Ft. Myers, Florida. He and his wife Ellen Dundon Wells were married for almost 71 years. Ellen and their daughter, Karen Turner, live on Sanibel Island, Florida, and their daughter Barbara Wells-Roberts lives in Joshua Tree, California.

Mr. Wells, called Ray, was born and grew up in Elm City, North Carolina. He earned a degree in Chemistry from Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, North Carolina. He worked at Radford Munitions in Virginia during WW2, and worked as a chemist for Uniroyal, formerly Ball Band Company, in Mishawaka, Indiana for many years. He completed his career with Gaska Tape Company in Elkhart, Indiana.

He attended Elm City United Methodist Church, South Bend First Methodist Church, and the Community Church of Sanibel. He encouraged his daughters to excel in college and in life. Mr. Wells enjoyed traveling and camping with his family all over the USA. Ray and Ellen enjoyed gardening, photography, and volunteering at Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum and the Playhouse Theatre on Sanibel Island. Ray loved Florida beaches and would often teach tourists and children about shells. When he was younger, he enjoyed golf, tennis and boat-building.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters, his brother, Jasper Thomas Wells and wife Linda, his grandson Rusty Turner and wife Ashley, granddaughter Cheyenne Turner, grandson Noah Turner, great granddaughter Oceana Reed, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family is grateful to Hope Hospice who was very helpful in his final days. A graveside celebration of life for Mr. Wells was held at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Elm City, NC on Monday November 6, 2017.

R. Brent Cook Funeral Service Licensee, LLC was in charge of arrangements.

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