WILLIAM "BILL" "W.C." WELLS

March 30, 1932 - Aug. 22, 2008
SOUTH BEND - William "Bill" or "W.C." Cornelius Wells, 76, the eldest child of John and Izola Wells, was born on March 30, 1932, in South Bend, Indiana. Bill departed this life on August 22, 2008, surrounded by family and friends.

Bill is survived by his lovely wife of 50 years, Margaret Ann; his sisters, Annie Ruth Thomas and Doris Ann (Sonny) Ross, both of South Bend, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John Wells Jr.; and by a sister, Betty Ann Pope.

Bill grew up in South Bend, attended the local elementary school and enjoyed youth sports. He was an active member of Grace AME Zion Church where he served as a youth Sunday school teacher.

Bill graduated from Washington High School in May 1951.

The elder Bill was an avid sports fan and liked the San Francisco 49ers football, San Francisco Giants baseball and Boston Celtics basketball teams. His greatest love was following the Notre Dame University football team. Bill loved tending his rose garden and watching the old cowboy and Western shows on television.

On November 24, 1951, Bill enlisted in the United States Army. He served one tour in the Korean Conflict and three tours in the Vietnam War. In 1967, Sergeant First Class Wells relocated his family to the Fort Ord Army Base community and they later settled in Salinas, California. Sergeant First Class Bill Wells' distinguished service includes two Silver Star medals, two Bronze Star medals, two Purple Hearts and two Army Commendation medals with Valor, and numerous other awards.

On September 1, 1974, he retired after 24 years of meritorious military service. On December 1, 1957, Bill married his childhood sweetheart, Margaret Ann (Young) Wells at Grace Church in South Bend, Indiana. He is survived by his five children born of their union, Veronica (Alex) Robinson, Anita (Mike) Deupser and Andre (Margaret) Wells, all of Salinas, California, Carla Wells-Brown of Woodbridge, Virginia, and Maurice (Nicky) Wells of Queen Creek, Arizona. Bill has 13 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends.

Viewing was held Wednesday, 27 August 2008, from 2 to 8 p.m.; funeral services will be conducted today, 28 August 2008, at 10:30 a.m. in Whitehurst Muller Funeral Service, 41 E. Alisal, Salinas, CA 93901. Donations may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Aug. 27 to Aug. 28, 2008.

05/28/2023 EJS

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