Willie Wells, 86, of Watha passed from his earthly life to his eternal heavenly home on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

He was born August 6, 1923 in Pender County, one of 11 children of J. P. and Chalmas Wells. Also remembered are his wife of 50 years, Margaret Hardison Wells; brothers, Woodrow, Grover, Charlie and Graham Wells; and sisters, Mary W. Rivenbark, Estelle Harlow, Lucy Jane Wells, Lacy Lanier and Geraldine Ludwig.

Surviving are his wife of 11 years, Barbara Wells of the home; son, Glenn Wells of Williamson, Georgia; daughter and son-in-law, Janet W. and Alvin Bryan of Wallace; grandchildren, Lisa Bryan, Jason Bryan and his wife, Kristy, and Phillip Wells; one great grandson; step-children, Michael Ward and his wife, Rhonda, of Richmond, Virginia, JoAnn Schettig of Wilmington and Donna Tyson of Burgaw; six step-grandchildren; one step-great granddaughter; sister, Ruby Lem of Carolina Beach; and many caring extended family and dear friends.

Mr. Wells was a faithful member of Cora's Grove P.F.W.B. Church where he served the Lord in many capacities through the years. He was retired from Babcock & Wilcox Company and was a Pender County farmer. Receiving two Purple Hearts, Willie was a veteran of the US Army, serving in WW II.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 14, 2010 at Cora's Grove Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church with The Rev. Jerry Atkinson and The Rev. Baris Lanier officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park with military honors.

Casketbearers will be Ray Deal, Charles Rivenbark, Daniel Rivenbark, Joseph Rivenbark, Gary Chadwick and Chris Wells. Honorary bearers will be the Men's Brotherhood of Cora's Grove P.F.W.B. Church.

The family will receive friends 6 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.