Willie J. Wells

Prominent local businessman, Willie J. Wells, 87, of Connersville, died Friday morning, April 17, 2015, at Fayette Regional Health System. Willie was the son of Dallas Clyde “D.C.” and Mary Leola “Lola” Pope Wells, delivered by his grandmother at home in Knox County, Kentucky on February 27, 1928. He worked with his mother at an early age at her grocery store in Kentucky and moved to the Connersville area at the age of sixteen with his family. He was a 1947 graduate of Connersville High School and was honorably named a Kentucky Colonel. Willie had been employed at American Central and later worked at REX Manufacturing. He was a contractor and built several sub-divisions and homes throughout the area. In 1955, he helped start Taylor Building Supply on 30th Street and moved in 1959 to Wells Lumber and Hardware on Central Avenue and 9th streets. From this business, he expanded into Wells Variety Store and Wells Cabinet Shop. Willie owned and operated several area farms and bought and sold real estate. In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing and hunting. Willie had a strong work ethic and an “all business” approach to his transactions. He possessed a charismatic personality with a quick wit and humor. Willie was a member of Warren Lodge #15 F. & A.M. Connersville, Murat Shrine and Scottish Rite, both of Indianapolis. Willie is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, the former Christine Taylor whom he married August 30, 1947 in Blooming Grove; two sons and their spouses: Ronald J. Wells and Melanie; Roger D. Wells and Cindy, all of Connersville; his Mother: “Lola” Wells of Cincinnati, Ohio; a sister: Wilma Ruth Benedict of Cincinnati, Ohio; a brother: Denver E. Wells of Connersville; his grandchildren and their spouses: Melissa Griffin and Kirk, Melinda Crank and Scott, Ryan C. Wells and his fiancé, Brittany Thomas, William J. Wells and Jessica, all of Connersville; Emily C. Bruns and Dustin of Brookville, Abby T. Luking and Mac of Connersville; twelve great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his father, Willie was preceded in death by his brother-in-law: Dale Benedict and his sister-in-law: Juanita Wells. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel with Rev. Jerry Rader of Connersville officiating. Memorial masonic services will be conducted by Warren Lodge #15. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and prior to the service on Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or to Warren Lodge #15, F.& A.M. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.