William Wells Jr.

After a brief illness, William “Billy” Wells, Jr. entered into peaceful rest on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at Rockledge Regional Hospital, Rockledge, FL. He was preceded in death by his father, William Wells, Sr.

Billy, as he was known, was born October 14, 1964, in Las Vegas, Nevada to the late William Wells, Sr. and Betty Collier Wells. He graduated from Cocoa High School, Cocoa, FL in 1983. During his Senior year, he was the first Black Drum Major at Cocoa High while serving as the President of the Student Government Association (SGA). Upon graduation, he enrolled at Bethune Cookman College (Now: Bethune Cookman University) and became a part of the BCC Wildcats and the BCC Gospel Choir.

After serving in the U.S. Army, as a Chemical Engineering Specialist during the Gulf War, and completing his obligation, he returned to Rockledge Florida where he worked various jobs, a painter at Kennedy Space Center and a Fabrication Specialist for Sea Ray Boats, Merritt Island, FL. He started his own business as a Handyman, operating under the name of Wells Enterprises.

The Wells Family relocated to Cocoa, FL in 1971. Billy joined Zion Orthodox P. B. Church, Rev. O. R. Smith, Pastor when he was eight years old. His passion for playing the Bass Guitar began in 6th grade and he has played this instrument at several churches in the Central Brevard area. He was a part of the Music Ministry at the Mt. Moriah M.B. Church, Palm Bay, Florida, Dr. Harvey L. Riley for fifteen years. Billy returned to Zion Orthodox P. B. Church about three years ago, just prior to Elder P. L. Jones, Jr. retirement. His present Pastor is Elder Drodney Williams. He has supported the Choirs, Church School Department, and Church School Convention. During his Senior year in High School, he was awarded First Place in the Oratorical Contest at the Church School Convention. His community involvement includes support at the Annual Seniors Christmas Fellowship Banquet for over twenty years.

Billy’s warm and loving demeanor touched many lives and precious memories were made by those who encountered him along life’s journey.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Betty J. Wells, and one sister, Anita Marshall (Patrick); His four devoted sons; Dontavious Browder (Suzanne), Javan R. Wells (Kathy), and Cameron Wells (Sharon Browder- Stevens, Mother). He is also the father of Malcom Askew (Julia Askew, Mother); two grandsons, Isaiah Browder and Abraham Wells; three grand-daughters, Ariannah Browder, Anabella Rodas Wells and Makynli Smith; two Uncles, James Wells (Waycross, GA) and Joseph Wells (Cocoa, FL); One Aunt, Sandra Wells (Waycross, GA), two nephews, Patrick Pierre Marshall and Artur La’Chaz Marshall; a host of cousins, and many sorrowing friends.

Due to the spreading of COVID-19, at the request of the family, please wear a mask and practice social distancing.