Franklin Wells

Family-Placed Death Notice

WELLS, Franklin Captain Franklin Kirby Wells, a former US Navy Fighter Pilot and retired Delta Airlines Captain passed away Saturday Feb, 26 2011 of a heart attack. He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie Wells, his 2 daughters, Tina Marie and Cynthia Ann and his 3 grandchildren, Zachary, Alexis and Austin. "Kirby" was a native of Mississippi but has lived in Stone Mountain since 1966. He played the trombone in the University of Mississippi Band and later went on to become one of the US Navy's most elite Fighter Pilots, even attending the noted "Top Flight Academy" in Miramar, CA where he performed over 100 perfect landings on an aircraft carrier. He then flew as a Captain for Delta Airlines for 38 years. He survived being hijacked to Havana on his 4th wedding anniversary in 1969. Born of Leroy Wells and Varie LaHatte Wells, Kirby was raised by his father and step-mother Sadie Hovious Wells following his mother's death. Most recently he played 1st Trombone for several local bands, including the Atlanta Metro Jazz Club. He was a very kind, loving and gentle man who will be greatly missed by his family. A memorial service will be held this Saturday March 12, 2011 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church at 10:30 am followed by a reception. The family will receive visitors from 10 am to 10:30 at the church. For those who wish, the family has requested that you donate to Stone Mtn. or Lilburn food bank in lieu of flowers. Arrangements made by The Cremation Society of Georgia