Edward Lloyd Wells, 94, of Gainesville, passed away on January 29, 2020 in Gainesville, Fl.
Ed was born in Dalton, Georgia to Edward and Helen Wells on August 4, 1925. They moved to Pensacola, Florida where he was raised. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts and earned his Eagle Scout badge. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the US Army where he served during WWII in the 34th Infantry Division. He saw action in Europe and Africa. He was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge and received 2 Bronze Battle Stars, and a Purple Heart for his service. Following his time in the service, he graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor Degree in Architecture and returned 2 years later to earn a degree in Fine Arts. He worked for the Boy Scouts of America and was active as a Boy Scout leader. He worked for the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry. He was an instructor at the University of Florida College of Journalism, teaching film and cinematography for 29 years. He retired from the University of Florida as a Professor Emeritus. He was also an instructor of Photography through the continuing Education Classes offered by Santa Fe Community College. He was an accomplished artist in a variety of art media with general focus on oil and watercolor paints. He was active in the Gainesville Fine Arts Association, where he was president for 5 years. He was involved in Wesley United Methodist Church as a Sunday school teacher and a youth leader. He later became a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He was an accomplished photographer, and enjoyed taking wedding pictures, as well as teaching others about the art of photography. He loved camping and spending time outdoors.
Ed (Rippy) was a son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend to many. He is preceded in death by his wife, Doris Wells. They were married 56 years at the time of her death in 2012.
He is survived by his/ brother Donald Wells, (Joetta) and his family members in Orange Park, Florida as well as his children: Bill Wells, (Pam), Keystone Heights; Sandi Wells Jones (Mike), Apopka, Fl; Michael Wells , St Petersburg, Fl; and Mark Wells, Gainesville, Fl . His grandchildren: Brittany, (Laura), Erin, Taylor Jones, and Rachel and Nick Wells. Great-grandchildren: Riley, Ragen and Rorie Willis.
A graveside service will be held at Forest Meadows Cemetery Central located at 4100 NW 39 Avenue, Gainesville, Fl. on February 8, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Ken Hamilton of Tallahassee, Fl. officiating. Forest Meadows Funeral Home are handling the funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Folds of Honor, and Wounded Warriors.
Dad, you had a life that many could only dream about. I am so grateful to have experienced so much of it with you. You opened my eyes to so many wonderful adventures; the knowledge I gained just by mentoring you is what made me who I am today. In your death I have discovered more of your experiences you had in the life that came before me. You will always be in my heart, I love you; rest in peace. Godspeed!
No one could ask for a better father. You led a full and adventurous life. You always led by example and were there for us when we needed it. You now take your place in the heavens with mom and together again you both watch over our family keeping us out of harms way
We might miss you but we can never and will never forget you because you and mom have filled our family with love and you both will live on inside each of us.
God bless you Ed Wells and God speed to You and mom are together again as it should be. Love_everlasting
Many knew him as Ed Wells, but for me he was Rippy. Rippy was my grandfather and a role model throughout my life. He had a way about him that drew you in and made you want to pay attention, especially to the phenomal stories he had to tell. As a child I remember long days spent at Gammy and Rippy’s house where my brother and I would build lego structures and watch Disney movies all day, except when we would sit on their laps to watch the Wheel of Fortune. I always enjoyed sitting out on the back porch talking with Rip, while he smoked his cigar and told me stories. We would sit out there talking until Gammy called us inside for lunch. Holiday gatherings always required that Rippy made his famous Rippy corn for all to enjoy. Although I am sad beyond belief that I will not be able to hug Rippy again , I know he is holding Gammy’s hand smiling down on us. We will always love you Rip!