Malvin Wells

Malvin L. "Pug" Wells
April 24, 1932 – March 7, 2012

An unassuming and humble man became a mighty voice in God’s heavenly choir on Wednesday, March 7, 2012.

A modest servant by nature, Pug respectfully ministered to his community, his family, and his church throughout his life. As the last active founding member of the Elliston Volunteer Fire Department, he gave freely of his time and talents, serving for over 55 years as a volunteer firefighter and first responder. For over 45 years he served as Chief of the Fire Department, a position he held until January 1, 2012, when he decided not to run for Chief for another term. However, he remained an active member of the Fire Department in helping the citizens of Eastern Montgomery who experienced floods, accidents, and fires, having answered a call just two days before his death. Also, he represented Eastern Montgomery on the Planning Commission, Swift Water Rescue, Shawsville Rescue Squad, and other governmental agencies.

He served his Lord and Savior as a life-long member of the Lafayette United Methodist Church where he served as a liturgist, Chair of the Parsonage Committee, Lay Leader, and Samaritan's Ministry. Also rooted in the Church was his participation as a founding member of The Redeemers Quartet where for over 32 years the group traveled to bring Southern Gospel Music to churches in the area. And most Sunday afternoons you could find him, with his wife and daughter Cindy, singing gospel music at local nursing homes.

However, the place where he ministered the most was as a quiet, steady role model as a husband and father to his family. He married his high-school sweetheart, Mary Lee Trump, in 1950, six months after they graduated from Shawsville High School. They had four children who cherish a father who led them through his example of giving and sharing his talents through unselfish generosity. It isn't too often today that children have a distinct honor of telling their parent how proud they are of him - Pug's children could tell him that very fact every time they talked with him.

He is survived by his adoring and constant wife of 61 years, Mary Lee. Also, surviving are his children including daughter Cindy Disney of the home; daughter, Dale and J. Wayne King of Hickory, NC and New Castle; son Darrell and Kimberly Wells, of Elliston; and son Tim Wells and Della of Fort Walton Beach, FL. He is survived by two brothers and sisters-in-law, Joe and Sis Wells of Lafayette; and Lewis Wayne and Darlene Wells, of Salem; one sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Buren Hansen, of Raeford, NC; and one brother-in law, Hassell Price, of Blacksburg, VA. Also surviving is one sister-in-law Dottie Lester of Salem, VA. He was predeceased by his parents, Malvin and Kate Wells of Lafayette, and by one sister, Judy Price of Blacksburg.

He is survived by seven grandchildren. They include April Johnson, Nick Wells, Seth Wells, Brittany Blankenship, Levi Tippets, Kimberly King Bennett, and J. Wayne King II. Also, surviving are six great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends and family at the Elliston Volunteer Fire Department on Thursday and Friday evenings, March 8 and 9, from 5-8 p.m. The funeral service will be at Eastern Montgomery High School at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, with burial at Sherwood Memorial Park, Salem, VA.

The family has designated the following charities for memorials: Elliston Volunteer Fire Department, P. O. Box 290, Elliston, VA 24087 and Lafayette United Methodist Church, 5310 Walthall Street, Lafayette, VA 24087.