William "Bill" Wells

1946 - 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William "Bill" L. Wells of Land O' Lakes, Florida. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 31, 2026, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, Florida.



Bill was born on October 8, 1946, in a small coal mining town in West Virginia. At the age of seven, he moved to Florida and later graduated from Jefferson High School in 1964 and Tampa Technical College with a degree in Computer Science in 1972. At just 18 years old, he proudly enlisted to serve his country in the United States Army as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, serving in Vietnam.



In 1970, while living in Port Charlotte, Bill walked into Port Charlotte Bank to make a deposit and met the love of his life, Angie. It was love at first sight. He asked her out, and three months later they were married-a marriage that would last more than 55 years.



After their marriage, Bill and Angie moved to Bradenton, where they lived for 48 years. Bill worked as a salesman for Florida Business Systems, selling filing systems to government offices, doctors' offices, and banks throughout the region.



On Friday nights during football season, you could find him on the sidelines of Manatee High School as part of the chain gang. He was also a devoted member of the Hernando De Soto Historical Society for over 25 years, serving many years on the Crewe of De Soto and proudly holding the role of Crewe Captain from 1996 to 1997.



In 2020, after nearly five decades in Bradenton, Bill and Angie moved to Land O' Lakes to be closer to their daughter and her family.



Bill courageously battled the effects of a traumatic brain injury for three years. Throughout this time, Angie lovingly cared for him at home with the support of the VA in Tampa. He also suffered from heart disease caused by exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam.



Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Dolly and William "Ray" Wells; his brother, Robert Wells; and his sister-in-law, Charlene Boyd.



He is survived by his beloved wife of over 55 years, Angie; his daughter-the light of his life-Shauna Lynn Rhodes (Danny) of Lutz, Florida; and his two precious grandchildren, Callie Elizabeth Rhodes and Brady Alan Rhodes. He is also survived by his cousin, Thomas Walker of Fort Myers; his sister-in-law, Deborah Wooldridge of Mobile, Alabama; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.



Bill loved his God, his country, and, above all, his family. He will be remembered for his kindness, his sense of humor, his love of crossword puzzles, his perfectly kept lawn, his gift of conversation, and yes-his unforgettable sales pitch.



Known lovingly throughout his life as Billy, Bill, Honey, Dad, Pop, Buddy, Papa, Bull, and Uncle Bill, and many more, he was special to everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by many and will live forever in our hearts.



A memorial service will be held in Bradenton at a later date.