Charles “Bill” Wilber Wells

November 23, 1936 – June 18, 2024

Charles Wilbur “Bill” Wells, of Rocky Mount was born November 23, 1936 in Baltimore, Maryland, and passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in Roanoke, Virginia, at the age of 87. He studied electrical engineering at VA Polytechnic, then went on to serve in the US Air Force, where he became a pilot. He continued working for countless engineering and mining companies with projects spanning the globe from his home in Lakeland, Florida. His innate intelligence and insatiable thirst for knowledge pushed him to pursue a myriad of hobbies and interests that are otherwise lost or declining arts in this modern age; he achieved a black belt in Karate, as well as practicing Aikido and Jiu Jitsu; he studied Morse code and became certified in the use of HAM radio, setting up his own antennas and radios, making friends all around the world, and even serving with local emergency and public safety networks to provide communication in the event of a disaster; he studied aeronautics as another hobby, then constructed and flew his own ultralight aircraft; he was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association; he assembled his own Raspberry Pi computer and programmed its system; he was a student of multiple languages, regardless of his need to speak them, including both forms of French. Most importantly, however, Bill was a family man. A profound personality, Bill always strove to entertain and flatter with his gregarious spirit. His ability to charm was second to none and will forever endow his family with smiles and laughter even in the grayest of times–his signature guffaw was a Hallmark of his character. Since his passing, as per his wishes, Bill will have no memorial service. The Wells clan will privately conduct his final affairs, and their sincerest gratitude’s are offered to all whose thoughts, prayers, and support have been given out in such great abundance thus far for Bill. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bonnie Louise; his son, Craig Stephen; and his grandchildren, Connor Jacob, Shane Stephen, and Zachary Alan. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.