Baxter Wells, 90, of Watha passed peacefully from his earthly life to his eternal rest on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born June 12, 1922 in Pender County, the son of Daniel and Isla Croom Wells. Baxter was preceded in death by his six brothers and one sister.

Baxter is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Kathleen Wells; son, William "Billy" Wells of Watha; daughters, Marilyn Boone (Robert) of Leland, Shirley Padgette (Sherwood) of Wallace and Judith Teachey (Ken) of Watha; grandchildren, Russell Wells, Donna Heath, Bryan Cavenaugh, Terri Harned, Tammy Buck, Greta Merritt, Kim Brown and Angela Ipock; 11 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

For most all of his life Baxter attended Cora's Grove Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church. He served his country honorably in the US Army during WW II. After the war he returned to Pender County and became a good steward of God's bountiful earth as a Pender County farmer for many decades.

Baxter was the BEST husband, daddy, granddaddy, brother, uncle and friend anyone could ask for. His warm smile, gentle laughter and caring, sharing ways will always be cherished.

Funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with the Rev. George Price, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Wells Cemetery with military honors. Casketbearers will be Russell Wells, Chris Wells, William Buck, Shane Thompson, Nicholas Wells, Pat Merritt, Van Brown and Jeff Harned.

The family will receive friends Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home until hour of the service.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.

Funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with the Rev. George Price, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Wells Cemetery with military honors.