Walter Wells

Walter Raleigh Wells, seventh child of B.L. and Bessie H. Wells died in Mathews, Va., his home for the past 30 years, on August 22, 2013. He was the widower of Nancy Taylor Wells of Mathews.

He was a 1947 graduate of Smithfield High School followed by Augusta Military Academy. Raleigh graduated from R.P.I. and The College of William and Mary receiving his undergraduate and graduate degrees. Following 9 years of teaching in the public school system as a band director, he entered into the field of accounting. He worked in accounting part time in the automotive field and in public accounting and controllership, and vice president in private industry.

Following the early 1980's recession and corporate downsizing, Raleigh returned to Virginia and settled in Mathews and started a public practice from which he retired in 2006.

Mr. Wells is survived by daughters: Nan Wells of Hopewell, Va., Elizabeth Neal of Kansas City, Mo., Lori Brooks Toth (Steve) of Nashville, TN., and Valerie Wells of Mathews, Va.; a son, Jonathan (Annie) Wells of Richmond, Va.; and his lone sibling, Virginia H. Abbott of Tampa, Fl. Four grandchildren also survive.

Per his wishes his cremated remains will be interred next to his wife's in the St. Paul Annex Cemetery, Susan, Va. The services are private and Raleigh's wishes are that memorials take the form of contributions to the Riverside Walter Reed Hospice, 7358 Main Street, Gloucester, Va. 23061.

Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.