Bill Wells

Lamont William Wells, of Mount Airy, North Carolina, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday, August 28, 2021, after a brief illness. Born on June 28, 1940, the son of Donald and Arlene Wells in Saginaw Michigan, Bill, as he was known to his friends and family, graduated from Arthur Hill High School and Saginaw Valley State University. He earned his master’s degree at American University. His career in human resources enabled him to work for several different companies that took him to various parts of the country. Bill was a proud Michigander and remained a loyal University of Michigan football fan. He had a lifelong passion for sailing, travel and cooking, and was an avid reader who especially enjoyed spy novels and books about history. Bill was also an enthusiastic genealogist who loved researching his family’s past generations and Scottish heritage. Conversations with Bill were always warm, genuine and interesting because of his vast knowledge and great sense of humor, along with his unforgettable laugh. He had a kind heart and loved animals. Bill was an active member of Grace Moravian Church who gave generously of his time and talents and was always available to help his friends, family and people in need. He was a wonderful and supportive father and grandfather with a big heart who was a great source of advice with his positive outlook and calming words. His friendly demeanor and kindness were endearing to friends and strangers alike. He was able to sum up life with numerous quips. When asked how he was, he usually responded with, “If I was any better, I couldn’t stand myself!” Bill is survived by his special friend Laura Overbey, of State Road, NC. Also surviving are daughters Jennifer Adams, and husband Andrew of Mt. Airy, Melissa Carson and husband Mark of Freeport, PA, and son Justin Wells and wife Becky of West Jefferson, NC. Also surviving is former wife, Janet Finkbeiner Wells of Canandaigua, NY. Grandchildren Caleb and Cameron Adams, Alex Carson and wife Jessica, Sean Carson and wife Abbey, Emerson and Owen Wells. Surviving siblings include Barbara Timmons-Herron and husband Le, John Wells and wife Karen, and Mary Ellen Poyhonen along with many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Jerry Timmons and Dennis Poyhonen and his beloved canine companions, Bruce, Maggie and Molly. A private funeral service will be held on Saturday. The family suggests memorial donations be made to Grace Moravian Church of Mt. Airy Outreach Program for the homeless.