THOMAS E. WELLS

WELLS, THOMAS E. - age 74 of Kingston, formerly of Knoxville and Nashville, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2014. Born and raised in Nashville, Tom was an active young man, He was out-going, athletic and a natural born leader. He excelled in numerous sports at Cohn High School setting and breaking records and again in college at Georgia Tech as a Field Goal kicker under Coach Bobby Dodd. He also enjoyed a brief career with the AFL Dallas Texans (now known as Kansas City Chiefs) and had the privilege of assisting Coach Bill Pace at Vanderbilt University working with the Kicking Team. Tom had the honor of being inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame for his many accomplishments. Tom also excelled in the world of business. Employed with Browning Ferris Industries (BFI) for 26 years he served as District Vice President where he motivated and mentored an endless number of people in the waste management industry. Tom also spent 5 years on staff with the Waste Management Company until his health forced him into early retirement. Tom squeezed every moment out of his life, his heart was huge and compassionate. His desire was to help anyone in need and his love for animals and their welfare was also very evident. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren and he leaves many people behind that have been touched by his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlis and Cornelia (Reeves) Wells; sister, Barbara and brother, Pete Wells; and his faithful companion, "Duke". His survivors include his devoted wife of 21 years, Patricia Fraker Wells; children and spouses, Thomas Gregory Wells (Marilyn), Waxhaw, NC, Sharon Wells Styles, Knoxville, Timothy Michael Wells (Amy), Franklin, TN, Wendy Wells Newton (Henry), Knoxville and Jennifer Wells Lemons (Brandon), Knoxville; mother of his children, Emily Nannette Wells, Knoxville; grandchildren, Amber, Justin, Thomas, John, Patrick, Haley, Matthew, Christopher, Michael, Andrew and Jack; great grandchild, Oliver and soon to be born, Samuel Thomas; brother, Edward Wells, Fairview, TN; sisters, Margaret Netterville, and Dorthea Daugherty (Robert), all of Nashville; beloved nieces and nephews, and a host of very special friends, including Greer Courly Tidwell, Gary Shaver, Bobby Strickland, Ferrel Owen, Jerry Harris, Barry Marshall, Ferd Trost, John King; Cohn High Class of '57, former employees and coworkers. Tom's family and friends will celebrate his life during a reception from 1:00 - 4:00 PM Saturday, March 15th, at the Carmichael Event Center, 600 Hackberry St., Loudon, TN. An additional celebration will be held in Nashville, TN from 2:00- 5:00 (with speakers at 4:00) on Saturday, March 22, at the Cohn High Alumni Center, Elkins Avenue entrance. Contributions in memory of Tom Wells may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd. SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 or by visiting www.lbda.org to assist in studying this debilitating illness or to the Southeastern German Shepherd Rescue Group, PO BOX 547, Morrisville, NC, 27560 or by visiting online www.sgsr.rescuegroups.org. McGill-Karnes Funeral Home, Loudon. www.mcgillkarnes.com