John Earl Wells

John Earl Wells was born August 3rd, 1942, to the late Verlie Whitson Wells Sr. and Jennie Louise Guthrie Wells. He passed away peacefully at his home in Brighton, TN, Sunday evening, April 6, 2025, at the age of 82.
John Earl, as he was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was marked by love, compassion, and an unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, co-workers, and all whose lives were touched by him.
John is survived by his favorite son, Jeremy Duncan Wells of Brighton, brother-in-law, Mark Ray Duncan of Covington, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Jo Anna Duncan Wells; his parents Verlie Whitson Wells Sr. and Jennie Louise Guthrie Wells, sisters Annie Irene Hill, Louise Wells Vandergrift, Helen Wells McQuiston, and brothers William James (Uncle Billy) Wells, Verlie Whitson (Whit) Wells, and Robert Wilson (Bob) Wells.
John Earl graduated from Brighton High school in 1960, where he was named "Most Friendly." John began his college career attending Union University and was a founding member of the Lambda Zeta Chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. During his time at Union, he spent a summer in Washington D.C. as a congressional page, and another summer as a counselor at a Young Life ranch in Colorado. One weekend on his way home from school, John was a passenger involved a serious car accident. After recovering from his injuries, he decided to join the United States Air Force where he proudly served for four years. Upon completion of his service, John returned to Brighton and went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree followed by a Master of Arts degree at Memphis State University. He then began his pursuit of a PhD at Memphis State university but withdrew when his son, Jeremy, was born.
John Earl began his career in education teaching at Covington Grammar School followed by time spent working at the Tipton County Board of Education. He formed many lasting bonds with the children he taught and as the first principal of Crestview Elementary School in Covington, TN. The teachers and staff at Crestview were like family members to him and John often said that those were some of the best years of his life. He was recognized as the State of Tennessee Distinguished Principal in 1998-1999. The honor included a trip to the White House in Washington D.C.
Those who knew John will remember him for his deep faith in Christ. He grew up attending Brighton Baptist church where he also led the youth group. He later attended Munford Assembly of God (River of Life) where he faithfully served as a board member, interim choir director, and Sunday School teacher. His love of Christ and teaching made him extremely passionate about teaching Sunday School where he would over-prepare every week!
John Earl is surely home in the presence of Jesus. In light of that, we pray his memory will be a blessing and inspiration to carry on his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.
There will be a family graveside service, Friday, April 11th, at Morrison Cemetery in Brighton at 1:00pm. A celebration of life honoring both John Earl and Jo Anna will be on Saturday, May 3rd, at River of Life Church in Millington. Visitation is 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the church's children and youth programs at River of Life Church; 8850 Highway 51 N; Millington, TN 38053. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John, please visit our Tree Store.