David J. Wells

David James Wells, Jr., 82, of Irmo, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Prisma Health Richland. He passed peacefully in his sleep, beside his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, after a long and valiant journey with Alzheimer’s. He was born on September 4, 1941, in Teachey, North Carolina, to David James Wells, Sr., and Annie Katherine Forlaw. David was the youngest of four children and grew up surrounded by family and many friends. He spent his summers working with his dad on their strawberry farm when he wasn't practicing football or baseball at Wallace Rose Hill high school. He graduated from his grandmother and mother’s Alma mater, Guilford College, in Greensboro, North Carolina, with a degree in business. He was an offensive and defensive lineman on the football team. He also met the love of his life, Kay Daniel, while at Guilford. He graduated in 1963 and joined the National Guard Reserves then came home to marry Kay on June 28, 1964. David and Kay moved to Columbia, South Carolina in 1971 for David to take a job managing the commercial lines at Boyle Vaughn Insurance Agency. He would go on to become the president of the agency years later, until he and his partners sold to BB &T. He continued to work for BB&T buying other insurance agencies throughout the southeast until his retirement in 2005, when he decided he was ready to devote more time spent with his wife Kay and his nine grandchildren enjoying their home on Lake Murray and more time at their beloved Kiawah. He was a charter, and very active, member at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon, then as an elder and elder emeritus. He had a heart for missions and stayed very involved in all aspects of that over the years. David leaves great legacy to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, by the life he lead, a life well lived. A man of faith and integrity, with a fierce love for his family. He was a mentor to many, but to us he was simply the best husband, father, and grandfather, and our lives were blessed just to be called his. David is survived by his loving wife, Kay, of nearly 60 years; his daughters, Sarah Wells Turbeville (Joey) and Amy Wells Barczak (Chris); his son, David James Wells, III (Joy); and his sisters, Mary Alice Scott (Joe Hart) and Arline Fabsitz (Rich). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Wesley Turbeville (Kinley),Emily Kay Kirkman (Bradley), Manning Turbeville, Hunter DesChamps, Wells DesChamps, Sarah Wallace DesChamps, David James Wells, IV, Gray Wells, and Mary Wells, and his great grandchildren, Ford Turbeville, Whit Turbeville, and Bridget Wells Kirkman, along with many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and by his oldest sister, Peggy Wells Pope. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church , 6952 St Andrews Rd. Columbia, South Carolina. The Reverend Adam Williams and the Reverend Bob Bryant will officiate. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 13, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the family residence. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to, Faith Missions Giving at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, 2952 St. Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29212 or Memorials