Edsol C. Wells Sr.

Published 4:00 am Wednesday, March 4, 2015

            A service in honor of Edsol C. Wells Sr., a member of the greatest generation, will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Lauderdale with Rev. Bill Webb officiating. Interment will be at the Odd Fellow Cemetery in Quitman at 2:30 p.m.

            Mr. Wells, 90, passed away in his home on Sunday, March 1, 2015. Edsol C. Wells was born in Shubuta on Aug. 26, 1924. He was the son of the late Ulysses and Annie Bell (Chancellor) Wells. At the age of 18, he was drafted into the Army Air Force and trained as an Aerial Engineer Gunner. He flew missions over France and Germany on a B26 Medium Bomber. He was a member of the 9th Air Force, 394 Bomb Group and the 586 Squadron. He was discharged February 1946 as an S/SGT at CampShelby. He was highly decorated and was appointed as Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor for his sacrifices and heroism during the war.

            He married Gilda Hutcherson on June 29, 1947. They have had a happy marriage for 68 years. Edsol attended ClarkCollege at Newton and MississippiCollege in Clinton where he received his BA Degree in 1951. He earned a Master of Religious Education degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, La.

            Edsol was ordained to the Gospel Ministry on Jan. 28, 1951 and served as a pastor of seven Southern Baptist Churches in the State of Mississippi. After retirement he served nine Mississippi churches as Interim Pastor. He loved preaching the gospel and pastoring. In his later years he felt blessed to serve at CenterRidgeBaptistChurch in KemperCounty. He also enjoyed serving as director of Senior Adults, planning interesting programs, picnic and social events, at his home church, First Baptist of Lauderdale. He also enjoyed gardening and fishing.

            He is survived by his wife, Gilda Wells; his brother, Chester (Mary Anne) Wells; his two children, Dianne (Dale) Kinsey, and Eddie (Linda) Wells; grandchildren, Melissa (Roy) Garrison, Andrew (April) Kinsey, Justin Wells, and Amber (Patrick) Barnes and five great-grandchildren.

            The family would like to thank Dr. Frank Harmon and Dr. Matt Cassell. We would also like to thank Shelia Irby of Harper Hospice for her compassionate care.

            In lieu of flowers, Pastor Wells requested that donations be sent to the First Baptist Church of Lauderdale for the FamilyLifeCenter, 3659 Lauderdale Road, Lauderdale, MS39335.

            Family and friends may sign the online guest book at robertbarhamffh.com.

            Visitation will be held on Thursday, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home and on Friday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Lauderdale.