William E. Wells

June 5, 1941 – October 9, 2024

Commander William Edward age 83 of Missouri City, TX, previously of Southport, NC, died peacefully at home on October 9, 2024. Bill was born in Rapid City, South Dakota, the son of the late William George and Mary Clare Wells.

He graduated from Washington Sr. High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and South Dakota State College in Brookings, South Dakota with a BS in Economics. He joined the United States Navy in 1963 and received his commission as an Ensign from Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island in February 1964. Bill had many exciting tours with the Navy including two assignments to Japan. He was a Surface Warfare Officer and served on several ships including USS Saint Paul CA73 an eight-inch gun heavy cruiser and the Guided Missile Cruiser the USS Biddle CG34. He attended the Army War College in Carlisle, PA and completed his master's degree in public administration from Shippensburg University during the same assignment. From 1979 to 1990, Bill had Washington, DC assignments with the Naval Sea Systems Command and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. Commander Wells retired from the Navy February 1,1990 following an exciting naval career. Following his retirement, he became a support contractor with various companies for the next twenty-seven years to continue his support of the navy program offices in Washington, DC. While living in Clifton and Warrenton, VA, Bill was an active member of their Lions Clubs and held many key offices. Bill Wells was a resident of Southport, NC, for 15 years and enjoyed playing golf and fishing. He was an active member of the Richard H Stewart American Legion Post 543. Bill and JoAnne moved to Missouri City, Texas in 2023.

Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 30 years, JoAnne Y. Wells; son Brian Wells and family of Dever, CO; Stepson Russell Kasin and family from Missouri City, TX and stepson Stuart Kasin and family of Charlotte, NC. A son Matthew Wells predeceased Bill in 1993. Additionally, Bill is survived by his sister Carolyn Zenk and her husband George, sister Margaret (Margie) Baldwin and husband Tom, sister Frances (Fran) Illum and husband Vern.

Bill was a loving and caring husband, father and friend to all who knew him. A Funeral Mass was held at the St. Angela Merici Church in Missouri City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Richard H. Stewart, Jr. American Legion Post 543, 4136 Southport Rd. SE, Southport, NC 28461.