HARRISONBURG, VA — Robert Scovel Wells, 85, of Sunnyside Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, died on Monday, June 18, 2012. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Anne McLean Wells, whom he married on Dec. 28, 1948 and with whom he has now reunited in love.
The Rev. "Bob" Wells was born October 24, 1926, in Petersburg, VA, and was a son of the late Horatio Harold and Louise Hendrickson Wells.
He and his wife pastored and lived in Eden, N.C., Greensboro, N.C., Roanoke and Richmond before moving to Harrisonburg in 1985, when he retired.
Following service as a medic in the U.S. Navy in World War II, Bob studied at Davidson College but was graduated from the University of Richmond. He began work in his father's chicken hatchery in Richmond while going to school. He assumed ownership and grew the business stronger. While serving as a young adult leader in the Forest Hill Presbyterian Church in Richmond, he met Anne, fell in love, and they were married. After the birth of their four children, Bob felt a sense of call into the Christian ministry, a vocation in which he faithfully served for many years. His ministry was marked by a focus on youth and families and continued as he extended care and a listening ear to family, friends, and the Sunnyside staff to the end. Bob was very active and supportive of the ministries of Massanetta Springs.
He is survived by two sons, Robert S. Wells, Jr. (Donna) of Stevens Point, WI and David M. Wells (Kathy) of Apex, N.C.; two daughters, Laura Wells Holbrook (Fred) of Grottoes and Carol Wells Are (Tom) of Kansas City, KS; one sister, Louise Riggan Temple of Memphis, TN.; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Dr. John F. Sloop will conduct a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 23, at the First Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service. There will be no public viewing.
His body will be cremated at the Kyger Funeral Service in Harrisonburg. Inurnment will occur in a private service to be held at the Columbarium at Massanetta Springs.
Memorial contributions may be made to Massanetta Springs Camp & Conference Center, 712 Massanetta Springs Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
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