Obituary of William J. Wells

Friday, October 23rd, 2020, William "Bill" Joseph Wells, age 72, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a short battle with cancer. Bill was born on the 26th of January 1948, in Jamestown, NY, the son of Charles "Chuck" and Elizabeth Ernewein Wells. At the age of 18, he met the love of his life, Mary Wells, and together they built a beautiful family, which extended far beyond their natural born children. Bill retired from National Fuel in 2003, after 36 years, starting as a mechanic and ending as one of their top heavy equipment operators. An artist with heavy equipment, following retirement, he continued as a private operator and could be found many days building camps, clearing trails or repairing roads and excavating projects for those he loved. He was an excellent mechanic, referred to as "Mr. Fix It" and the man to call when needing something repaired. He helped many friends and neighbors over the years. An avid outdoors-man, Bill valued mentoring his children, their families and his many friends in the love of hunting & fishing offering timeless advice or compelling stories, that were always capturing to the ear. Most days, Bill could be found at his woods consistently improving the woodscape. Later in the day, he could be found in his garage, the focal point where many "on the hill" would gather to talk and unwind. He will be sadly missed. Bill is survived by Mary, his loving wife of 51 years; sons Charles "Chuck" Wells (Annette) of Jamestown; Michael "Mike" Wells (Baylee); daughter, Billie Jo (Matthew) Finnerty of Panama; grandchildren, Caleb Wells; Logan Lewis; Sierra Wells; Alexis, Alexandria, and Aiden Finnerty; Gage and Bryson Wells; sister, Elsie Nelson of Bemus Point, NY and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle L. Wells; brothers, Marion A. "Nuck" Wells and Gilbert "Gibby" Wells. Visitation will not be observed. The funeral service will be live streamed at 11 am Wednesday. This may be accessed through Facebook by searching for Lind Funeral Home, Inc. In Lieu of Flowers, donations in Bill's name may be made to the Lakewood Village Fire Department, 37 Packard Ave, Lakewood, NY 14750 or Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave, Lakewood, NY 14750, www.chpc.care. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.