Harry Ray Wells

Harry Ray Wells, 89, never met a stranger.  His friendliness sprung from a true love for God and all people. He greeted his Savior on Friday, June 26th.  He was born in Plant City, Florida on August 23, 1925.  He was a loving husband, dad, grandpa and faithful friend who will be missed by many.  Those who knew him will always remember his love and compassion for others, his laughter, his steadfast commitment to his wife of almost 65 years, and his ability to always see the good in people.  Harry was a veteran of World War II, circling the globe three times while serving on the US Mann Navy transport ship. After the war ended, he returned to Florida and earned his business degree at the University of Florida. He married his sweetheart, Edith Anderson, and they began their family in Plant City.  He took over his father’s business, Wells Hardware Store, for several years and after 10 years, continued his education into accounting and passed the CPA exam. They moved their 3 children at the time to Statesville in 1967. They welcomed their Tarheel baby, Sharon, in 1968. Harry joined practice with Pat Witherington and his CPA firm on Court Street until retirement in 1990. After retirement, he spent time enjoying his grandchildren and attending their activities and sporting events.  He was an avid follower of the Florida Gators and golf and was always willing to serve in his church, First Baptist on Davie Avenue. Harry is survived by his wife, Edith Wells; his sons, David Wells (Salley) of Mount Airy and Martin Wells (Karen) of Greensboro; two daughters, Judy Tomlin (Phillip Jan) of Statesville and Sharon Wheelis (Eric) of New Bern; six grandchildren, Zack, Lindsay (Will), Justin, Alex, Matthew and Mitchell and one great granddaughter, Anna. A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Baptist Church at 4 pm on Monday with Dr. Jack Causey officiating. Before the service, the family will have a private burial at Oakwood Cemetery at 3:30 pm with full military rites presented by the Iredell County Veterans Council Burial Detail.  Fellowship and visitation to follow the Celebration service in the Adams Hall.  In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Hospice of Iredell County 2347 Simonton Rd. Statesville, N.C. 28625  and/or the Alzheimer’s Association, 3800 Shamrock Dr. Charlotte, N.C. 28215. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.nicholsonfunerals.com . Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.