Leroy Wells, Jr. (affectionately known to many as Junior to his family and Lee to his many friends) was born on February 15, 1949, in Wagram, North Carolina. Leroy was the third of six children of the late Leroy Wells, Sr. and Maude Fairley Wells. Leroy quietly entered rest on Thursday, September 15, 2022.

Leroy was educated in the public school system in North Carolina. He graduated from Scotland High School in Scotland County. At an early age, Leroy joined the Spring Branch Missionary Baptist Church in North Carolina, where he sang in the choir and attended Sunday School.

After graduating from high school, at the age of 18, Leroy entered the United States of America Marine Corps. After his duty in the military, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked and retired from the Steamfitter Local Union 602 after thirty years of service.

Leroy met and married the love of his life, Ruth Banks and to this union a daughter, Tasha C. Wells was born.

Leroy was a very private person. Those who came to know Leroy, knew that he was kind-hearted and caring. He loved his family, especially his nieces and nephews as well as his many friends. When little children visited his home, he taught them how to play pool and clean fish.

All who knew Leroy, knew he was an outdoors man. He loved fishing and deer hunting. He was a great cook and made his own deer sausages, steaks, ground patties and ribs. Until his health prevented him from doing so, he was able to till the land. He planted his very own tomatoes, greens, peppers, string beans, peas, pears, apples, corn, and collards. You name it, he grew it. Leroy could have opened his very own storehouse because whatever he grew, he canned and did not mind sharing his produce. You can truly see that Leroy reaped the rewards of his hard work.

Leroy was not one to watch sports. He loved to watch boxing during Sugar Ray Leonard’s time. He also loved to watch westerns, and anything with fishing and hunting.

Leroy leaves to cherish his memories, his lovely wife Ruth Banks Wells of forty-five years, two Daughters Tasha Wells (Washington, DC), Michelle Vanhook (Joseph) of Durham, NC, one Son Eric Wells (Maryland); one Grandson Jared Vanhook (Durham, NC); two Brothers Major Wells (Wagram, NC), Oscar Wells (Nissa) of Durham, NC); five Sisters Mildred Wells (Wagram, NC), Corliss McEachin, Joan Morrison (Victor), Lorraine Herrell (Andell), all of Durham, NC, Vanuzell Linnville (Stephen) of Cantonment, Florida; four Aunts Queen Long (Wagram, NC), Mable Fairley (Baltimore, MD) and Emma McLaughlin (Raeford, NC), Ruby McPhatter (Omaha, NB); and Goddaughter Krystal Norris. Leroy had three special friends, who were his ride or die when it came to fishing and hunting: Levi Perkins, Jeffrey Norris, and Andrew Hartless. He also leaves to cherish his memories a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He will surely be missed by many.