Obituary for Esley "Ray" Wells
Esley “Ray” Wells, age 65, of Belleville, formerly of Michigan, died at 1:55 a.m. Monday, February 24, 2020 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.
Ray was born in Corbin, KY October 5, 1954, to Edward and Verdie (Spurlock) Wells. He grew up in southwest Michigan and lived there for most of his adult life. He married Carol King on October 7, 1972 in Fennville, MI.
He was a jack of all trades and was a talented backyard mechanic. He also worked on farms and in factories. Most recently, he was an over-the-road-truck driver. He honorably served in the US Army from 1976-78.
He is survived by four children: Trina (John) Caskey of Belleville, Elvis (Samie) Wells of Avon Park, FL, Steven (Becky) Wells of Holland, MI and Tabitha Merckley of Dowagiac, MI; his ex-wife, Carol King; four brothers: Michael Wells of Murray, KY, Rex (Rachel) Wells of Seikston, MO, Ronnie Wells of Martin MI and Robert Shipley of Portageville, MO; and three sisters: Karen Wells of Portageville, MO, Vanessa (Ronald) King of Pullman, MI and Tonya (Matt) Klifman of Pullman, MI.
He was preceded in death by a son, Edward R. Wells; his parents; a brother, Robert Wells; and three sisters: Janrose Faucett, Debbie Shipley and Theresa Wells; and two grandsons.
Visitation will be held from noon-2:00 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2020 at Kalmer Memorial Services, located between Lebanon and O’Fallon on Route 50. Following the visitation, his remains will be cremated.
Ray was born in Corbin, KY October 5, 1954, to Edward and Verdie (Spurlock) Wells. He grew up in southwest Michigan and lived there for most of his adult life. He married Carol King on October 7, 1972 in Fennville, MI.
He was a jack of all trades and was a talented backyard mechanic. He also worked on farms and in factories. Most recently, he was an over-the-road-truck driver. He honorably served in the US Army from 1976-78.
He is survived by four children: Trina (John) Caskey of Belleville, Elvis (Samie) Wells of Avon Park, FL, Steven (Becky) Wells of Holland, MI and Tabitha Merckley of Dowagiac, MI; his ex-wife, Carol King; four brothers: Michael Wells of Murray, KY, Rex (Rachel) Wells of Seikston, MO, Ronnie Wells of Martin MI and Robert Shipley of Portageville, MO; and three sisters: Karen Wells of Portageville, MO, Vanessa (Ronald) King of Pullman, MI and Tonya (Matt) Klifman of Pullman, MI.
He was preceded in death by a son, Edward R. Wells; his parents; a brother, Robert Wells; and three sisters: Janrose Faucett, Debbie Shipley and Theresa Wells; and two grandsons.
Visitation will be held from noon-2:00 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2020 at Kalmer Memorial Services, located between Lebanon and O’Fallon on Route 50. Following the visitation, his remains will be cremated.