Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
WILLIAM WELLS Obituary
WILLIAM W. WELLS (Age 88)
Former senior CIA deputy director, William "Bill" Wells, 88, died April 6, 2013 of natural causes at his home in Bethesda, MD.Raised in Rochester, NY, he was attending Yale at the start of WW2 but was diverted to study Chinese language at the University of Pennsylvania, and was later assigned as a U.S. military liaison to the Chinese military police on the Burma Road. After the war he graduated from Yale, joined Standard Oil to return to China, and in October 1948, married Leilani (his future wife of 59 years) in Nanjing. In 1952, he started work for the CIA and began a long and successful "China watcher" career, with overseas postings in the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan and Hong Kong. He retired in 1977, and began a second career as a real estate broker in Bethesda. He is survived by sons Tryon and Christopher, daughter Letitia, and four grandchildren. Funeral services will be private. Contributions may be made to Montgomery Hospice, in Rockville, MD.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM WELLS
3 Entries
May 1, 2013
As an out-of-town friend of Tish's, I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wells, but feel as though I knew him well from hearing Tish talk about him. He sounded like a fascinating gentleman who loved life and loved his family.
My heart goes out to his family in his difficult time.
Gina Falcone-Rupp
April 10, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sharon (Smap) Palmer
April 9, 2013
I knew Mr. Wells through his daughter Tish and always found him to be a friendly, intelligent man who was always ready with a sparkle in his eye and a story on his lips. He was one of very few people with whom I could talk history and world events and really enjoy it. I will always remember him sitting out on the back deck watching the birds and animals enjoying the beautiful garden he'd carefully sculpted his yard into over the years. My heart goes out to Tish and Tryon and Christopher. Their father was a great man in many definitions of the word great and he will be missed.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in WILLIAM WELLS's name
Memorial Events
for WILLIAM WELLS
How to support WILLIAM's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor WILLIAM WELLS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
