Raymond Lee Wells

Born the second of six children, Raymond was a hard-working boy from a very early age. Besides going to school, he was expected to do chores around the house and help take care of his father’s chicken farm. In 1943 during WWII, he joined the U.S. Navy and worked as an Aviation Ordinanceman. While stationed at Pensacola, Florida, he met and fell in love with Mary Smith, one of the WAVES working on base, whom he eventually married on January 31, 1948.

After his service to the country, Raymond played semi-professional baseball for a while with the Albuquerque Dukes, but realized early on that he was not cut out for life on the road.

Raymond was a steadfast Christian, and his faith was most evident in the way he treated his family and friends. He was a member of Norwalk Assembly of God Church for many years, and served as deacon, trustee, and Sunday School teacher. Always ready with a smile and a story from his past, he was at the same time charming and opinionated, and would always seek out ways to connect with people; he was loved and respected by all who knew him.

Raymond was predeceased by his wife of 71 years, Mary, and is survived by his two daughters, Deborah Grilli (Duane) of Ukiah, CA , and Lori Loza (Keven) of Surfside, CA, his sister Mary Jane Hickling (Lyle) of Norwalk, CA, six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

23rd Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.