J.C. Wells, Extension plant pathologist, dies at 92
J.C. “Jay” Wells, of Greenville, the second full-time Extension plant pathologist at North Carolina State University, died Nov. 10 at the age of 92.
Wells joined the Department of Plant Pathology in 1950, according to From Laboratory to Field, A History of Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University.
“Wells developed enormously effective demonstration programs on a wide variety of diseases of field crops and small grains,” according to From Laboratory to Field. “In addition, Wells was particularly instrumental in bringing industry support to North Carolina Extension programs.”
Wells served as an Extension plant pathologist for 33 years and worked for Kalamazoo Spice Company following retirement as a consultant.
He was a member of Ephesus Baptist Church in Raleigh, where he served as a deacon for many years. After moving to Greenville, he joined Arlington Boulevard Baptist Church.
Wells is survived by his wife of 72 years, Eloise Wells, of Greenville; two daughters, Barbara Wade and husband, Jesse, of Pamlico Beach, and Melinda Howell and husband, Gary, of Merrill, WI; two sisters, Mary Prine and husband, Gordon, of Gainesville, FL, and Doris Goodwin, of Americus, GA. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Wendy Fore, Michael Futrell, Jackie Carmichael, Keith Wade, Kristy Streckert and Gregory Howell; 12 great grandchildren, 11 great, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, Nov. 14, at 1 p.m. at Ephesus Baptist Church, 6767 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. Burial with military honors will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Arlington Boulevard Baptist Church or Ephesus Baptist Church.
– Dave Caldwell
