David Ray Wells

David Ray Wells, age 83, of Powell, TN, passed away suddenly surrounded by loved ones on December 14, 2025. David was a member of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church in Knoxville.

Graduating from Powell High School in 1960, he immediately joined the Air Force, serving six years in the 119th TN Air National Guard. He spent more than 40 years in air compressor sales and management, retiring in 1997. A long-time mechanical tinkerer, he began a job in vacuum cleaner repair and service shortly after retirement, working until 2016. An avid sports fan and lifelong University of Tennessee fan, David enjoyed watching Tennessee football, basketball, and baseball games. A high school basketball player himself, he was always happy to discuss and dissect UT basketball games. He also enjoyed attending football and basketball games at his high school alma mater. Other activities David enjoyed were spending time with his family on their houseboat at Norris Lake, attending auto races, eating out with family and friends, and helping his neighbors.

Preceded in death by parents, Claude and Trula Wells, brothers Gene and Ron Wells, sister Betty (Don) Grissom, and son Brian Wells.

David is survived by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 62 years, Carolyn Bennett Wells; son Scott and daughter-in-law Kristin Wells; sister Dora Merle (Bill) Love, sister-in-law Elizabeth (Ronald) Wells, sister-in-law Beverly (Gene) Wells; granddaughters Vicky (Tim) Cook, Kelly (James) Collins, and great grandchildren Jayden, Alexis, and Timmy.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Powell Chapel from 2:00pm until 4:00pm. Family and friends will meet on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 2:45pm at Greenwood Cemetery for a 3:00pm graveside service with Reverend Mike Segers officiating. 

Pallbearers: Venoah Russell, Charlie Barker, Ron Thomas, Todd Beeler, Ray Hinton, and Jeff Grissom. 

In lieu of flowers, David would be honored if donations were given to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, supporting the homeless veteran program - https://t2t.org/homeless-veteran-program/.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.mynattfh.com