Waddy Douglas Wells

Waddy Douglas Wells was born and raised in Branchville, TX on February 9, 1933 to Herbert, Sr. and Dinah (Purify) Wells. He was the fifth of eleven children and one of six sons. God called him to his eternal home on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 with his loving family by his side.

Waddy's parents introduced him to Jesus Christ at a young age. He was baptized in the Brazos River and became a member of the Little River Baptist Church. He was educated in the Milam and Robertson County School Systems, last attending W.D. Spigner Colored School in Calvert, TX.

Waddy enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1950 and was assigned to Camp LeJeune Marine Corps Base in Jacksonville, NC. While training at Camp LeJeune, he met the love of his life, Geraldine Murrill. They were married on December 16, 1952. From their union come five beautiful children: Ronald, Pamela, Wanda, Cassandra, and Dana.

Waddy served in the Korean War and upon his return was stationed at the U.S. Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. At the end of his enlistment, he separated from the Marine Corps receiving an Honorable Discharge. Although Texas was his home state, Waddy saw a better future for his family in California and settled there. He and Geri purchased their first home in the Oceanside "East Side" community and raised their children.

Waddy worked for the City of Oceanside for 25 years before retiring and continuing with his passion to become a Family Therapist with an emphasis in spiritual counseling. He received his license as a Marriage and Family Therapist in May 1989. While working for the City, he attended college at night and through hard work and determination, God blessed him to earn an Associates of Science Degree from Mira Costa College, as well as a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts Degree from National University in 1983. His professional certificates include: Professional Certificate in Advanced Training in CISD and Post Trauma Syndromes; Pastoral Care Specialist Certificate; Certificate in Crisis Intervention; Certificate in Basic Training in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing; and Certificate in Spirituality, Health, and Healing.

Waddy was very passionate about spiritual counseling and for more than 30 years, Waddy served as a Spiritual Counselor. He offered his services to anyone desiring to work from a spiritual perspective to solve personal problems and issues concerning spiritual growth.

Waddy worked for the County of San Diego in the Child Protective Services Department and the federal government as a Military Family Life Counselor in the Family Advocacy Program serving military members and their families. He retired again from the federal government but continued to work as a therapist for Trinity Youth Services Residential Therapeutic Program. The program assisted young adolescent men, typically placed by counties through child and family services and juvenile justice departments, increase opportunities for success in family and community settings. Waddy's work with the Trinity youths focused on identifying and solving mental health issues and behavior patterns that resulted from trauma, abuse, neglect or abandonment.

Over the years, Waddy became an avid artist and lovingly gifted family members and friends with his unique tranquil and serene artwork. He was also active with several civic and community organizations such as the Involved Men of Oceanside, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Oceanside Sea Lions.

Throughout his busy career, Waddy was blessed from God to author a book titled, "The Wisdom of Papa Will" (published in 2003). The book is a collection of intimate stories told through the authentic experiences of a young African-American boy and his affectionate relationship with his grandfather, Papa Will, his mentor, who believes that strength can be born of adversity. The main point of the stories is that the key to personal power is found in the love from the Presence of God within. Papa Will taught Waddy about a spiritual power for good in the universe that was there for everyone.

Waddy was affectionately called "Dada" by his children, sixteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife of 65 years, Geraldine "Geri" Wells; one son, Ronald Wells, Sr. of San Bernardino, CA; and four daughters, Pamela Woodard (Garland, Sr.) of Missouri City, TX, Wanda Leidig of San Diego, CA, Cassandra Martin (Johnny) of Gainesville, VA, and Dana Parrish (Artis "Lee") of Temecula, CA; three brothers, Bernard Wells, Sr. and Curtis Wells (Maria) of Blythe, CA, and Pastor Emeritus Elgia Wells (Carolyn) of Mt. Juliet, TN; two sisters, Barbara Jean Taylor and Verda Ruth Wells of Houston, TX. He also leaves four brothers-in-laws and five sisters-in-laws, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and special friends.