William Richard Wells was born May 10, 1923 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Berlie and Nellie Mae Wells. Bill was raised in and attended school in Marshall. Bill had a love for the rail road. As young boy he and his brother worked with their father on his railroad hauling cotton between Marshall and Elysian Fields. As a young man, Bill joined the United States Army where he served his country with pride and honor. He was one of the last two surviving members of the 777th bomb squadron and the 464th bomb group. Bill Wells was a courageous soldier and served his country honorably. During World War II he was captured and made a Prisoner of War. Bill was active in the local VFW. He loved ranching and his cows. In his free time he enjoyed the artistry of woodworking, often giving his creations to family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Berlie Richard Wells and Nellie Mae Dorsey Wells; one sister, Inez McBryer; and his wife of 53 years, Nell Beaty Wells.

Bill is survived by his wife of 13 years, Alice Starett Wells; son, Richard Wells; daughter Nancy and Wes Parker; son, Bob Starett and Cindy Ford; sister Betty Harris and Roland Green and sister-in-law, Ruby Newland; grandchildren, Jason Wells, Alecia Anderson Biggs, Carol and husband, Steven O'Bryan, Tim Anderson and wife, Kellie, Jamey Starett, Robin and husband, Stewart Bates, Whitney Starett, Sean and wife, Natasha Jost; great-grandchildren, Ada Starett, Allison Snow, Jacey Biggs, Maddie Starett, and McKenzie Jost.

Serving as pallbearers are Steven, Jamey, Tim, Joe, Steward and Scotti McClendon. Honorary pallbearers are Gary Heath, Wes, Rick Phillips, Rolland Green, Greg Franks, Jason Wells and George.