Robert E. Wells, age 88 of 113 Greyson St., Martinsville, died Thursday Oct. 25, 2012 at Augusta Medical Center in Fishersville, VA. He was born May 9, 1924 in Callands, VA to the late Leslie Stone and Elsie Elizabeth Aaron Wells. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his wife, Juanita Bryson Wells in 2009, his brother Carlton A. Wells, and his twin brother Ryland T. Wells, and his two sisters, Doris W. Allen, and Gladys W. Hubbard.
He was a graduate of Callands High School, and was a member of County Line Christian Church. He enlisted in the US Army and served in Africa, Normandy, Ardennes, Central Europe, and the Rhineland during WWII. He was part of the D-Day Invasion of Normandy, and came ashore on Utah Beach with the 238th Engineer Battalion which specialized in bridge construction. He rose to the rank of SGT, and for his service was awarded the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon with four Bronze Service Stars, and Bronze Arrowhead for the Normandy Landing. Robert was a Past Commander of Paul Shorter Chapter of the DAV, having served as Commander nine times, was a DAV bus driver for five years, was a Life Member of the Martinsville Henry County Veterans Honor Guard, and received special recognition in 2006 for serving on 86 of 106 Veterans Services for that year, and in 1995 he was selected as Veteran of the Year for his outstanding service and dedication to veterans.
He is survived by his two daughters, Robin Elizabeth Wells of Diamondhead, MS, and Dawn Renee Graham of Spencer, one granddaughter, and numerous other relatives in the extended family.
The funeral service will be Monday October 29, 2012 at 2:00 PM in the Roselawn Chapel with Rev. Dr. J. Billy Graham officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park with military graveside honors by the Martinsville-Henry County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Sunday October 28th in the Roselawn Chapel, and at other times at the home on Greyson St. in Martinsville.
Memorial donations may be made to; Martinsville/Henry County Veterans Honor Guard, P.O. Box 1002, Collinsville, VA 24078, Paul R. Shorter DAV Chapter 52, P.O. Box 3401, Martinsville, VA 24115, or National D-Day Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523.
Arrangements are by Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home.