Rev. P.D. Wells Jr.

Reverend P. D. Wells Jr., affectionately known as "PeterBoy," entered from labor to reward on Wednesday, November 2, 2016. He was born August 29, 1934 in Smithfield, VA to the late Deacon P.D. Wells, Sr. and Sarah Bradby Wells. Reverend Wells was educated in the public schools of Isle of Wight County at the Isle of Wight Training School. In 1987, he would graduate from the Evans-Smith Institute School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA. Reverend Wells served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. Upon completing his tour of duty in Germany he would begin his career as a commercial fisherman. He would begin his professional career at the Newport News Shipyard where he labored as a Welder, then on to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard where he would become a Welding Instructor and Foreman until his retirement in 1993. Reverend Wells accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. He immediately became an active, faithful member of the First Gravel Hill Baptist Church, Smithfield, VA where we served as an Usher, Choir member, Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, and Deacon. In January 1980 he accepted his call to ministry. In 1983 he was ordained and installed as the Pastor of The First United Baptist Church, Gloucester, VA where he served dutifully for 14 years. Reverend Wells has served as Interim Pastor for several congregations in the Hampton Roads community including his home church, First Gravel Hill Baptist Church, Little Zion Baptist Church, and Third Baptist Church, Hampton. At the time of his death, Reverend Wells was the devoted Pastor of the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Ivor, VA, where he had tended his flock for 8 years. Some of Reverend Wells' past and present affiliations include: the Lebanon Virginia Baptist Association, Hampton University Minister's Conference, Baptist General Convention of Virginia, National Baptist Convention, George H. Dabney Lodge 201, 11^thMasonic District of Prince Hall Masons, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Cherishing his memory always will be his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Ida Loretta Walker Wells and their three children: Wanda W. Savedge (Russell) of Surry, VA, Donovan V. Wells (Monica) of Deltona, FL, and P.D. Wells, III of Staunton, VA; grandsons Russell (Rusty) Savedge, III (Corina), Peter Donovan Savedge, and granddaughters Emily Rose Wells, and Briana Holloman. He is survived by his sisters Ernestine Slade, Esterine Smith, and Rebecca Armstrong and his family-in-love; Maugerite Tynes, Luther Walker (Virginia), Nettie Johnson (Pernell), Milton Walker (Nannie Ruth), Robert Walker, Ann Sumler (Michael), Mary Greene (James) and Marion B. Walker. Three nieces who he had welcomed into his heart and home as his own (Edythe George, Diane Bowser, and Dr. Michele Sumler) have always been near and dear to his heart. Among those who fondly remember him are a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, especially, Gerald Matthews of Davidsonville, MD. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jacqueline Goodwin. Reverend Wells was a kind, loving, and caring man who never met a stranger. Of the many things life had to offer he found the most joy in fishing, traveling, and holding a lively conversation. Never at a loss for word, Reverend Wells never missed an opportunity to share a song, story, or joke. Most of all, Reverend Wells enjoyed spreading the Gospel of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through song, teaching, and preaching. His celebration of life service will be held11:00 a.m.Monday, November 7, 2016at First Gravel Hill Baptist Church, Smithfield, Va. The family will receive friends and reflectionson Sundayfrom5-7pmat Shivers Funeral Chapel, Smithfield, Va. Interment will be in the First Gravel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Professional services entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.

Burial Date November 7, 2016

A Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 7, 2016 at First Gravel Hill Baptist Church, Smithfield, Va. The family will receive friends and reflections on Sunday from 5-7pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel, Smithfield, Va. Interment will be in the First Gravel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Professional services entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.