James "Chief" Ernest Wells, Sr.

James Ernest “Chief”  Wells, Sr., 84, of 221 Siloam Church Road, received his heavenly wings on June 16, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Greenwood, SC on January 26, 1940, to the late James Wells and Gertrude Jones.

He was a member of Little Zion AME Church where he served as a Trustee and Deacon. James attended Brewer High School and Piedmont Technical College. He worked at Greenwood Country Club and then was hired on at Monsanto where he retired after 40 years of service. He never missed a day of worked having a record of perfect attendance.

He also worked at Walmart Distribution Center for 20 years and also the Walmart Store for 10 years where he achieved a 2nd retirement.

He loved playing golf with the Monsanto Bowling League where he won numerous trophies and also was a member of the Monsanto Baseball League.

James was preceded in death by: his sister, Betty Jean Lomax; two brothers, Matthew Wells and Clifton Wells; and his stepfather, Earnest Jones.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Nell Wells of Ninety-Six, SC; five children: Gloria (Anthony) Murray, James Wells, Jr. of Greenwood, SC, Lorrie Hill of Augusta, GA, Richard (Tquell) Wells of Simpsonville, SC, Caitlin (Martegus) Briggs of Summerville, SC; six grandchildren: Ayesha Murry, Nafia Hill, Tymon Bowie, Cameron Wells, Maliyah Briggs and Micaela Briggs; a sister, Linda Williams; 2 brothers, Willie Wells and Jacker Jones; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be held 1 pm Saturday June 22, 2024 at Little Zion AME Church with Rev. Beatrice Coleman officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Mr Wells will be placed in the church at Noon. Public viewing will be held from 1 – 6 pm Friday in the chapel and the family will receive friends from 4- 6 pm.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Little Zion AME Church. Mr. Wells will be placed in the church at Noon. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Public viewing will be held from 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Friday, June 21, 2024, in the Percival-Tompkins Chapel. The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Friday, June 21, 2024, in the Percival-Tompkins Chapel. The family is at the home. 

Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is honored to serve the Wells family. 

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