William Courtney Wells

William Courtney Wells

William Courtney Wells, age 92, of Chester, Virginia, left his beloved hometown, on November 5, 2025.

Born on September 28, 1933, in Enon, Virginia, he was the son of the late Roger Lee Wells and Zola White Wells.

Courtney graduated as senior class president of Thomas Dale High School in 1951, and remained a lifelong resident of Chester. He began his career at Chesterfield County Bank, which later became the Bank of Virginia, and remained there from 1951 to 1957. In 1955, he entered the U.S. Army under the RFA Act and trained at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

After returning home, Courtney found his true calling in real estate, insurance, property management, and development. In partnership with Louis Longest at Longest and Wells Realtors, his quiet leadership and talent for building lasting relationships guided numerous developments throughout Chester-including Trueheart Heights, Treemont, Summit Point, Lakewood Farms, Chester Run, Chester Village Green, the Perkinson Center for the Arts and Education, The Station at Chester, and Wellington Farms.

Witnessing Chester's steady growth and helping families find the perfect home brought Courtney immense pride. When Longest and Wells dissolved in 1987, the partners amicably divided the business, and Courtney established Wells Realty and Insurance, which continues to serve the community 38 years later. Recently, when asked if he had retired, Courtney smiled and replied simply, "I'm not retired."

Courtney was previously a proud member of the Gamma Nu Chapter of the Pi Phi National Fraternity, the Chester Jaycees, the Chester Presbyterian Church, and served on the Board of Directors of the Community Bank in Petersburg. He was also active member of the Sons of the American Revolution and Sons of Confederate Veterans.

However, his truest passion for service was through the Chester Lions Club, where he devoted countless hours to fellowship and community. White Cane Day was a standing holiday on his calendar-never to be missed. He held numerous offices within the club but took the greatest pride in welcoming many new members, ensuring the organization's vitality for years to come. He was honored to receive the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest recognition bestowed upon a Lion.

In 1972, Courtney built a family log cabin at Lake Gaston, where he spent many joyful years entertaining friends and family, reading on the porch, and crafting bluebird houses to share with others.

Courtney was predeceased by his parents; his brother and sister-in-law, Rodney and Teressa Wells; and their daughter, Jennifer Sommers. He leaves behind his former wife, Barbara Howerton Wells; their daughter, Dr. Anne Courtney Wells Carr (Ron); and stepchildren, Kevin Bruce and Jane Bruce Crowther. His grandchildren include Brooke Kessler, Rudolf Crowther III, Sara Bruce, Nicholas Carr (Sarah), Natalie Carr, and Jacob Carr; as well as three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two nieces, Leslie Wells and Emily Hatch, who held a special place in his heart.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all of Courtney's faithful and compassionate caregivers, his real estate and insurance colleagues, and to James River Home Health and Hospice for their kindness and steadfast support.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 7 to 9 p.m., on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss and Son Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Chester Lions Club, 4613 W. Hundred Road, Chester, VA 23831, or Chester Presbyterian Church, 3424 W. Hundred Road, Chester, VA 23831.

Condolences may be conveyed to the family online at jtmorriss.com.