Charles Eugene Wells

December 11, 1927 - January 28, 2022

Charles Eugene Wells, 94, of Climax, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on January 28th. Born in Pender County N.C. to Eugene Emery Wells and Ruth Hudson Wells, upon completing High School he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served until the end of WWII. Once stateside he enrolled in Louisburg College and then N.C. State University to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. Just months away from graduating, he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War as a sergeant leading a group of men who cleared roads and built bridges in advance of platoons of soldiers moving to the front lines. Upon discharge he returned to Wallace N.C. where he married Lorene Currie Wells and began working for the Pure Oil Company. He worked with this company for 41 years in many cities and several states while the company became Union Oil and then UniCal. In retirement he enjoyed collecting Petroleum Memorabilia and he participated in many swap meets and sales around the country. It was clear to all that his greatest joy was his two granddaughters, Landis and Larson. He attended every activity from dance competitions to horse shows to softball games. He was always their biggest fan. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lorene Currie Wells, his daughter Lori Wells Penry and husband Lee, his two granddaughters Landis Penry Connor and husband Cole, and Larson Penry. A memorial service will be held at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Climax on Saturday February 5th. Visitation with the family will begin at 11:00 followed by a memorial service at 12:00.