Joe Louis Wells

"Due to impending inclement weather, the service location has been changed".

Mr. Joe Louis Wells, age 86, of Rock Hill, SC, transitioned to eternal rest on Friday, January 23, 2026.

Obituary

Deacon Joe L. Wells was born on this wonderful day December 25, 1939, to the late Maude Wells Bowman(maternal), Johnnie and Jannie Wells (adopted parents) in Clarendon County Alcolu, SC. Who would know that this man would touch so many people's hearts in so many ways. He attended Westminister School in Clarendon County Alcolu, SC.

On January 23, 2026, that early morning he received his wings to complete his journey to be with the LORD.

He was joined in Holy matrimony to Pearlene Wells on October 14, 1961, for 54 years. She got her wings to take her journey to the gates of Heaven on April 21, 2016.

He gave his life to the LORD at a very young age and never strayed away. His goal was to be DEVOTED to the LORD till the end, and he succeeded.

He was a member for over forty years with St. Luke U.F.W. Baptist Church, Ship of Zion for seven years and became a member of Johnsville AME Zion after relocating to Sanford, NC in 2012.

He held many positions while serving the LORD: Deacon, Trustee Board, Sunday School Superintendent, and was a part of the Beverly Davis Cancer Ministry, and more. 

He worked for Handy and Harman over 35 years before his retirement in 2004. He was the best mechanic around. He owned a gas station with his partner Bishop Robert Gay and had a cleaning business for over 20 years.

He was predeceased by eight siblings: Jesse Wells, Leon Wells, Marion Wells, MaryAnn Womack, Mae Wilson, Willa T McBride, Corine Stenson, and Jimmy Wells.

Left to cherish his memories and carry his legacy on are two daughters, Shirley A. Daniels, Joann M Wells (Michael); two sons, Marvin L Wells (Phyllis), Julius E. Wells (Tonya); two sisters Wilamenia McBride, Bessie A. Bowman; one brother, John Wells; two sisters-in-law, Edna Allison and Catherine Allison; three brothers-in-law, Malachi Allison (Gail), Harry T Allison, and Robert Womack; eleven grandchildren, Bernard Washington (Alicia), Marvin L Wells, Jr., Ryshon S Wells, Jocelyn S Conquest (Jay), Mykia M Wells, Maliqua J. Howard (Omari), Jerome Dickson, Ja’Quesha Barron, Diamond Harris, Shakira Wells, and Jayla McManus; twelve great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; one special nephew, Keith Allison (Simone); one special niece, Geneva Burgess; one great niece, Marlene Wilson; and a host of many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

"Due to impending inclement weather, burial will be held at a later date".

"We do not own copyrights to the background music."

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Sanford, NC