June 19, 2025, 86, Goldsboro —
Marvin Graham Wells, 86, of Nahunta went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 19, 2025 while surrounded by his loving family.
Born on June 7, 1939, in Wayne County, Graham was the oldest son of the late Marvin Willard Wells and Wilma Lee Hines Wells. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sallie Glinda Edgerton Wells, his brother, Jimmy Wells, and his sister, Luann Wells.
After losing his mother at just seven years old, Graham’s childhood was spent helping his father on the farm and caring for his younger brothers, Ronnie and Jimmy. At the age of seventeen, following the death of his father, Graham made the courageous decision to enlist in the United States Navy.
He proudly served his country for seven years, traveling the world and sending back stories and photographs of his adventures. Hawaii, Japan, and Korea were a few of his favorite ports. While home on leave, he met the love of his life, Sallie Glinda Edgerton. For Graham, it was love at first sight. Their courtship continued throughout his service, sustained by letters and brief visits. They celebrated the end of his active duty with a Christmas Eve wedding.
Together, Graham and Sallie built a life of devotion, faith, and laughter. Graham was a hard worker and steadfast provider. He possessed a talent for working with his hands and was able to use his skills in a variety of occupations. Over the years, he worked in agriculture, freight, and public utilities, but his favorite role was as a gasoline transport driver. He drove tankers for nearly thirty years for Kenan Transport and later for Bowers and Burrows where he was known to his buddies by his CB radio handle, “Silver Dollar.” His grandchildren fondly recall the sound of Papa’s truck horn when he arrived home at the end of the day.
Graham was deeply devoted to his family. He treasured time camping with them, whether at Kerr Lake, the Blue Ridge Mountains, or the beach. He found great joy in being surrounded by his children, grandchildren, friends, and church family. Graham was known for his boisterous laugh, hugs so strong he could lift a person off the ground, and could always be recognized by his signature style of a cap and suspenders. He brought life and laughter to every gathering, and could often be heard telling vibrant stories of escapades from his younger years or joking with those around him.
Mr. Wells is survived by his sons, Marvin Glenn Wells and wife Pam Pope Wells of Nahunta, Roland Graham Wells “R.G.” and wife Amy Davis Wells of Nahunta; daughter and loving caregiver, Alicia Lee Wells of the home; grandchildren, Melody Wells Casey and husband Andrew Casey, Marvin Garrett Wells and wife Madison Stewart Wells, Emily Wells, and Madison Wells; brother, Ronnie Wells and wife Glenda Wells; and sister-in-law, Betty Wells.
A special thanks is given by the family to Graham’s dedicated caregivers, Roychelle Williams and Chrystal Whitman.
A service to celebrate Graham’s life will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 2 pm in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at the Wells family cemetery following the service. The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Seymour Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the home of RG and Amy Wells at other times.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home.
