Keith Sutton Wells experienced a full and fruitful life in his 84 years, embracing a life-long love of learning, and sharing his gift of humor and joy with treasured family and friends.

Keith died on Thursday, May 1st after a heroic battle with Parkinsons’ Disease. He leaves behind a space in the world that can never be filled, but also a multitude of memories: sparks of light and joy that will live on in our hearts and our souls.

Keith was born January 27, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland to Mabel Sutton and Lucius Voigt Wells, but grew up in Charlotte, NC with his beloved brother Richard (Dick) Wells.

Following high school graduation, Keith earned his degree in History at Duke University. The following 3 years were spent in service in the US Navy on board the aircraft carrier Essex. Both of these experiences were honored by “hats” which he wore with pride!

After the Navy, Keith joined Wachovia Bank in Winston-Salem, NC, where he met his “Bride-to-Be” Beverly (Bev) Briggs. This joyful 45-year partnership was shared with their two sons: David Briggs Wells and Michael Briggs Wells. Keith loved his family deeply and valued their many adventures, teaching the family to share his love of biking, scuba diving, hiking, traveling, and watching movies. After Wachovia, Keith joined NCR and served as a Regional Sales Manager for ATMs which he knew well from having deployed Wachovia’s first ATM network.

After retirement, Keith enjoyed earning his Masters in History from UNCG in Greensboro, NC. He acquired his pilot’s license and loved owning his own plane and flying friends and family.

While he might have cringed as the family moved time-after-time - living in NC, GA, AZ, CO and TN - with each move Keith and Bev found treasured friends. Keith’s belief in and love of community service were embraced wherever the family landed Adaptive Sports, Community Soup Kitchens, serving veterans.

Keith’s love of cycling was epic: He twice competed in the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in Durango, CO, and at one time had six bikes taking up car space in his garage.

However, the title of “Hap Pappy” given to him by his first granddaughter was perhaps Keith’s proudest honorific.

Family members always dear to Keith included Richard (now deceased) and Maurine Wells, their children Caroline and John and their families; Sara and Milton Peddycord, their daughter Megan and her family; Michael Wells; David Wells, his wife Elizabeth, and their girls Maggie and Kate.

A slideshow of “the life and love of Keith and Bev” would include their adventures all over the world Hiking or biking or eating, always surrounded by the best of the best. They felt truly blessed by the countless friends they made throughout their life together.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Keith’s memory to the UNC-G History Department: Advancement Operations, UNCG History Department, PO Box 26170 /Greensboro, NC 27402 (designation History Department Enrichment Fund); or, to a charity that tugs at your own heart.

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