Russell O. Wells

HAMPTON - Mr. Russell Odell Wells, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend passed away Saturday, August 9, 2008, after an extensive, grueling struggle with cancer.

Born August 4, 1922, in Dumas, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Henry Leon and Euist Little Wells. After finishing school, Russell joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and from there he trained in the Maritime Training School in Boston, MA, and in St. Petersburg, FL. He joined the Merchant Marines and served from 1940-1944, serving on many vessels in the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas and assisting in the shipment of supplies to our troops.

After the War, when he returned home, he worked as a surveyor for the Robert Knoth Company in Charleston. As a consultant for the Knoth Company, he surveyed land from Virginia to Florida, and in the Philippines he surveyed over 18,000 acres of timber. He estimated timber, conducted sales and surveyed land around Lake Warren and Hilton Head Island before the bridge was built and surveyed land at the following Plantations: Quimby, Old Brass, Drayton Hall, Arcadian, Chelsea, Midway, Martin Hall, Joy Gould in Virginia, and many others.

Russell taught himself the skills of the tire business and opened a tire store in Charleston. Later he and his wife Kathryn “Kayo” opened “Wells Tire Store” in Hampton, South Carolina. He is a member of the American Legion Post 108 in Hampton, and for years was active in the Chamber of Commerce of Hampton. Russell was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Charleston, SC, and worked every day at the Tire Store until at the age of 85 when he finally retired.

Russell and Kayo married at 70 years of age, and have been married 17 wonderful years. He leaves her, and his brother, Billie Joe (Delorace) Bennett of Charleston, SC. Russell had many stepchildren and stepgrandchildren whom he loved as his own and who felt the same about him. They are: Margaret (Oliver) Barnes of Islandton, SC, grandchildren, Oliver Lee, Jesse and Emma Barnes; Kathryn (Frank) Barton of Lexington, SC, Linda Zorn (Charles) of Barnwell, SC; daughter-in-law Miriam Hunter of Charleston, SC, grandchildren, Robbie (Polly) Hunter of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Margie (Tim) Uttermork of Raleigh, NC, sister-in-law Elveen Wells of Charleston, SC; niece Lynn Salvo, her children Jessica Pacifico and KJ Salvo of Moncks Corner, SC; nephew Keith Wells of Charleston, SC, Carole Landry of Massachussetts; Theresa Richards of Delaware; and grandchildren, Tammy (Trip) Mathias of Ulmer, SC, Chris (Nicole) Zorn of Williston, Charles (Tabitha) Zorn, Jr. of Barnwell, SC, Beth Zorn of Barnwell, SC, Stanley (Shirley) Zorn, II of Barnwell, SC; many great-grandchildren and his loving dog, “Snert”. Russell was predeceased by his brother, R.L. Wells.

The family would like to thank the staff of Caregivers, affectionately referred to as the “A” Team: Nettie Williams, Vince Cochran, Yulonda Frazier, Maggie Miley, Beulah Speaks and of Hospice, Janice Housey for the excellent, attentive, compassionate care they gave to Russsell, Kayo and his family over the last four months. A special thanks to Rhonda Hardison, Allen “Bubba” Stanley and the entire staff of Palmetto Pharmacy for their concern and kind remarks given to our family on each visit.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 10 a.m. in the American Legion Post 108 located at 302 Hoover St. South, Hampton, SC 29924 and conducted by Rev. Marty Mathias. Burial will follow in the Crocketville Cemetery in Crocketville, SC.

Friends may call at Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home, 300 Mulberry Street West, Hampton, SC 29924 (803-943-3352) Monday evening from 5 until 7 p.m. The casket will be placed in the American Legion Hut at 9 a.m. prior to the service on Tuesday.

Memorials in his honor may be made to: American Legion Post 108, P.O. Box 101, Hampton, SC 29924.

www.peeplesrhodenfuneralhome.com