Mr. Edward Earl Wells, 79, a resident of Neck Road, Washington, passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at Vidant Service League of Greenville Inpatient Hospice. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church officiated by Pastor Daryl Evans with special music by Mike Morgan, director of music. A private interment will take place at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. today at Hillside Funeral Service, 4500 U.S. Highway 264 East, Washington.

Mr. Wells was born in Bath on Feb. 28, 1933, son of Vance and Edna Kilby Wells. He graduated from Washington High School and attended UNC-CH. Mr. Wells was a veteran having served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Wells was married to the former Wilma Rae Smith who preceded him in death. Mr. Wells had worked for Luzianne Tea and Coffee, has been a farmer and worked many years with National Spinning. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Masonic Lodge and a Shriner.

Mr. Wells is survived by his children Diane Rae Wells, Beverly Wells Dudley and husband Todd of Raleigh, Edward Earl Wells Jr. of Faison and Marsha Wells Blount and husband Thomas of San Diego, Calif., his grandchildren, Rhett, Ginger and Roxie Dudley and Jack and Taylor Blount, his siblings Vance Wells Jr. and wife Ginny of Anderson, S.C., James Wells of Vanceboro, Joan Pope of Wilmington and Carol Humphreys and husband Buster of Washington, and brothers-in-law, Bobby Andrews, Herbert Potter, Morgan Harris and Dal Latham.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Wells was preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara Wells Andrews and Ann Wells Potter.

Ed, or Eddie as most knew him, was a man who loved people and always had a word of advice and encouragement. He grew up with a big family on a farm and after a brief stint in the Coast Guard and selling Luzianne coffee and tea, he returned to farming the land. Eddie was always one who had to be doing and moving. His personality was well suited for a salesman and he met his lovely wife in Cumberland, Md.  —  Wilma worked as an accountant at a grocery store and Eddie was selling his Luzianne products to that store and the rest is history.

Eddie enjoyed farming the land and soon opened Wells Produce. His vegetables were known for being tasty and plentiful — especially his Better Boy tomatoes and Silver Queen corn. When he could slip away from the farm, he could be found fishing — he was known for his fish stories. He also could play a winning hand of cards.

Eddie loved to give advice and encourage all to do their best. He instilled a strong work ethic in his children and was a powerful example of perseverance in hard times and generosity in good times. He was especially protective and loving toward his special needs daughter Diane. His children are eternally grateful for life lessons.

Eddie did not know a stranger — he was friendly to everyone and was a giving man. He was always quick witted, often telling stories. He loved a good joke (sometimes a bit off color to his delight). Laughter followed him and it was a joy to visit with him.

Eddie was a victim of dementia, declining very rapidly in his last four months of life. Many of his friends may not have even realized his condition. In his final days of life, he said “I’ve lived a good life, I’m ready to move on.” His family is happy that he is at peace with Wilma — he has missed her for eight years.

In an effort to find a cure for the devastating disease of dementia, the family requests donations in Eddie’s memory to the organizations listed below. Or, please donate to the charity of your choice in his memory.

Memorials may be given in Mr. Wells memory to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 or Service League of Greenville Inpatient Hospice, c/o Vidant Foundation, PO Box 8489, Greenville, NC 27835-8489.

Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.hillsidefuneralservice.com.

Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 U.S. Highway 264 East, Washington, NC, (252) 975-4500, has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the Wells family.