George Irving Wells

Mr. Wells passed away Friday, September 6 at Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital in Sparta, Tennessee.

He was born Friday, December 20, 1929, in Eldred, New York, to the late Earl Irving Wells and Ada Myers Wells.

He graduated from Eldred Central School in 1946 at the age of 15. He began his professional career with General Electric in Schenectady, New York in 1948, earning his certificate of apprenticeship in 1951. After expressing an interest in travel, he was transferred to southern Illinois in 1952, where he met Carole Lee Lingle, marrying her in 1953. Over the next 12 years, the couple welcomed four children into their home.

George worked for the General Electric Company on and off from 1952 to 1995, working in Illinois, Nebraska, Washington State and Tennessee. In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, he worked for Washington Public Power Supply System and Johnson Control. He worked his way up the ladder from field engineer to project manager.

When all their children had flown the nest, at the invitation of General Electric, George returned to work. George satisfied his wanderlust during these years as he and Carole lived and worked in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Romania.  George also worked in Jamaica and Brazil.

George and Carole traveled the world, and upon his retirement, they began to tour the country—living in a variety of fifth wheels, travel trailers and motor homes. 

In addition to his parents and wife, Carole, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Wells, and sisters, Berniece Haas and Dorothy Wells.         

George is survived by his children, Cheri Shields (Patrick) of Eagle River, Wisconsin; Suzi Nelson (Tim) of Robbinsdale, Minnesota; Lori Eyre of Mt. Prospect, Illinois;  and Roger Wells (Cheryl) of Cookeville;  his sister, Norma Aaron of Durham, North Carolina; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren (and one on the way!); and nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Friendship United Methodist Church at 5454 South Jefferson Avenue, Cookeville, TN.

The family would like to thank wonderful caregivers at Life Care Center of Sparta for their love and care for George.

You may share your thoughts or send condolences to the family by visiting www.pre sleyfuneralhome.com.

Professional services provided by Presley Funeral Home, 931/528-1044.