Hugh Neal Wells III

1936 - 2023

Hugh Neal Wells III was born on September 10, 1936, in Los Angeles to Florence and Neal Wells, Jr.Neal attended Pomona College for a year before transferring to Stanford University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and continued to Stanford Law School, earning a Doctor of Jurisprudence. Neal concentrated on the field of estates and trusts where he was engaged in estate tax counseling, estates and trust administration, and litigation involving estates and related matters. He served as President of the Probate section of the State Bar of California, was a consultant to "California Trust Administration," a compressive book about administration of trusts. He was a member of the American Bar Association, Los Angeles Bar Association, California Bar Association, and the Orange County Bar Association. Neal was a Captain of a State Bar team that assisted the California Law Revision Commission in a complete revision of the California Probate Code. He was an active fellow of the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). He was one of the authors of the Estates and Trusts Specialty Exam for attorneys in the field. Neal was listed annually in "Super Lawyers," the "Best Lawyers of Orange County" and other publications.His clients ranged from corporate CEOs to movie stars, many professional athletes, and just good people of all levels. He often represented members of families for several generations. He never minded spending hours mentoring younger attorneys. He really tried to convey ethics, honesty, and the helpful counseling of clients.In his private life, he was President of Young Republicans, at one time, a Board member of the United Way precursor, and a Board Member of Children's Home Society. He loved fishing, particularly at Fallen Leaf Lake while staying at Stanford Camp or at Lake Mary or Convict Lake when staying in our condo in Mammoth. We spent many years as a family and made many friends, at both places.His work in church was his passion. He was often an elder and was President of the Board of Trustees at two churches. He was one of the instrumental people in the move of several Orange County Presbyterian Churches to ECO from PCUSA. He felt strongly that God was leading him in that project.Neal is survived by his wife of 64 years, Teddy, his children, Neal Wells IV (Angela), and Cynthia Johnson (Joe) and two grandchildren, Andrew and Meghan Wells, and his sister, Mary Hyatt, two step-grandchildren, JJ and Sirena Johnson, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.Neal passed to heaven on November 20, 2023, at home with his wife and daughter at his side. A Celebration of Life was held Friday, December 1st at 11 a.m. at Trinity United Presbyterian Church.