January 6, 2021, 78, Goldsboro
On Wednesday afternoon, the master carpenter welcomed Ralph Vernon Wells home to a house not made with human hands, eternal in the heavens. Faith became reality as he took the hand of his Lord and entered into paradise. Ralph was born on September 20, 1942 in Wayne County to the late Vernon Earl and Gladys Radford Wells.
Ralph graduated in 1960 from Nahunta High School and joined the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Ralph was a valued employee for 36 years with General Electric.
Ralph was truly the backbone of his family. He was a master at fixing the broken, advising the bewildered, and assisting the needy. He raised his children and nurtured his grandchildren. He would do anything for his family, and extended this kindness to members of his community, never asking for praise or reward. His actions speak volumes to his love of neighbor. and love of his Savior.
He loved hot rod cars, his 1972 Chevy truck but most of all his family. He was known for his ability to repair virtually anything. He was an avid sports fan. Ralph had played, coached and watched many as they displayed their sporting talents. He was always there to support his grandsons in their pursuits with baseball.
As a man of deep faith, Ralph worshipped at Pike’s Crossroads Pentecostal Holiness Church throughout his life in Nahunta. He loved music and for that reason, he directed the church choir and sang in many of the church trios and quartets. Ralph also served for many years as a deacon. Although usually quiet in his spiritual walk, there was no question about his love for his Lord.
A service to celebrate Ralph’s life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at Pikes Crossroads Pentecostal Holiness Church with Rev. Ferrell Hardison, Rev. Duane Rush and Rev. Marty Gurganus officiating. The family will greet friends following the service at the church. Attendees are asked to wear a face-covering and practice social distancing. A private interment will be held on Monday at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with military honors.
Left to cherish the family ties instilled by Ralph are his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Rachel Pope Wells; daughters, Penny Bradley, and Cindy Neal and husband Doug; grandsons, Nicholas Neal and Tanner Bradley; brother, Keith Wells; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Rick Barbrey, Franklin Nichols, Darnell and Harry Johnson, and Peggy and Tommy Flowers.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter and sisters, Elga Wells Nichols and Geraldine Wells Whitley.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pike’s Crossroads Pentecostal Holiness Church, 2494 Pikeville-Princeton Road, Pikeville, NC 27863. Arrangements are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Goldsboro.
