Rayford Wells Obituary

I first found out about Ms.` Jenny Wells death from 2021 and then Mr. Rayford "Buddy" Wells from 2009. Ms. Jenny's death left me heartbroken! Ironically, I wrote Mr. Jay Self in the past year-the great-grandson of the founder of Greenwood Mills during the 1st part of 1900's. I graduated from North Carolina State Univ. in 1981 and moved Greenwood, SC soon after. I worked in Greenwood, SC until the economy improved in 1983. I had the "wonderful opportunity" to know Ms. Jenny, Buddy, and their mother Ms. Roseann and later Mr. Gabe during my short "stint" in Greenwood, SC. I would watch Mr. Buddy hit practice balls on the"range" daily. Buddy would start with his wedge when satisfied he would hit 9-1 irons. Even in the 7th grade Buddy could hit an ONE IRON!! Many pros are not comfortable hitting a one-iron. I called my Dad (a high school in NC golf coach at the time) and told about this phenomenon (Buddy). George E. Caudle usually sent one or two of his golfers to the State tournament in Chapel Hill. This was at UNC-Finley Golf Course. I asked my Dad to come to Greenwood, Country Club to experience Buddy play golf. My Dad told me after playing 18 holes with Buddy and I. Coach Caudle said Buddy could hit his irons more crisply as an eighth grader than any senior in high school he had seen play in Chapel Hill State tournament. And Buddy was an eighth grader!!!! Please rest in peace in heaven and you will definitely reach all the par fives in heaven in two shots and then one-putt on Hybrid Bermuda for an eagle!!!!!!! Randy Caudle 1981 and 1993 graduate of N. C. State Univ. Please tell your sister Ms. Jenny Wells (my good friend). I will meet her at the Esso Club (old gas station in Clemson, SC) for pork bar-be-que or a good hot dog and a beverage!!! I will recognize Buddy's eighth grade "angular build" and Ms. Jenny's 'stunning" appearance!!!!

I Love You and Miss You so much. Even though obstacles (some we created ourselves) stood in the way of us being married, we were still apart of each others lives on a daily basis & I look forward to seeing you in heaven. I had to program "Brown eyed Girl" as my ring tone on my phone, b/c I miss you playing it back to me every time you heard it. I miss our LONG talks & your comforting words & I feel blessed to have had one of those talks on the 20th of Jan. You were always there for me, No Matter What the circumstances. Thank you for giving of your self & time with my children. They loved you & you will be forever talked about & remembered by them. My prayers are with your family. And, as you always knew, your Mom was & always will be in those prayers daily.
I Believe in You- Love Always, Your Everything!!!!!
B.W.+5+N (HHI)

AS I WRITE THESE WORDS WITH GREAT SADNESS I ALSO GIVE FORTH GREAT JOY IN THE FRIENDSHIP THAT BUDDY GAVE WITHOUT ANY THOUGHT. I KNEW BUDDY FROM MY HIGHSCHOOL DAYS AND WE SHARED SO MANY GOOD TIMES HE WAS THERE FOR ME WHEN I LOST MICHAEL HOUSE AND AGAIN WHEN I LOST MY WIFE DEBRA. HIS MEMORY SHOULD BE FELT THROUGH ALL OF US AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM AS A TRUE FRIEND. MICHAEL

I was very shocked to hear the news of Buddy, we had become very close in the past 2 years and I considered him one of my closes friends. He was a person that I know if I needed anything he would be there for me. Please know that he was loved by all. Bubby was a great person. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Rosanne, Gabe and Jenny, I am so shocked. I am deeply saddended by your loss. May God help you through tihs tough time-lean on him- that is what he wants. All my prayers,

I was lucky enough to be introduced to Buddy in the early 90's. We've seen eachother many times of the years. Everytime I saw him he would give that big 'Buddy' smile.

I was at a Panther's tail-gate a few weeks ago when I ran into one of Buddy's old friends. We decided to give him a quick call. Buddy immediately recognized my voice and spent several minutes asking about my wife, my job, how I was doing... That's exactly how I will remember him. Always sincere and always friendly.

I've been in Charlotte for almost 20 years and Buddy is one of the nicest guys I have ever met.

Roseann, Gabe and Jenny...my sincere sorrow for your loss.

Although I haven't seen him in about 2 years, i know that if we ran into each other we would hug, shake, ask how each other have been doing and he would ask about my boys. We might even laugh about the time he had to go out and buy 30 50lb bags of ice to cool off the pool in the summer that someone forgot to turn off the heaters the day before. So funny!! but we had fun anyway and buddy didn't let that stop him from jumping off the 2nd floor balcony and make all the kids go "Wow" mr. buddy is so cool!, but he wouldn't let them near that patio!!! We'll all miss you buddy!!!

I was struck with deep sadness when reading about Buddy. I am so sorry for your loss. Buddy was a great friend to so many. Going to South Meck with Buddy we have many memories as well as our friendship over the years since then. Our ski trip to Vail will never be forgotten. He will be greatly missed by so many. My prayers go out to your family during this most difficult time.

You will be missed much my freind,Our 25 year freindship has been a great one, I am just sorry I did not get to see you in the last couple of weeks.

Buddy, although our times together were way too few, they were some of the most memorable of my life. You will be missed in many peoples lives. God bless you and your wonderful mother.

We are so very sorry for your loss. We will always remember Buddy and are glad we were able to know him. God bless you and keep you during this time.

With deepest sympathy,

Jay and Michelle Strause

Dear Roseanne, Mr. Hill & Jenny,

I was so sad to hear about Buddy's passing. Even though I hadn't seen him in many years, I often thought about him and what a special friend he was to me. I will always remember his smile and great laugh! He is one of my favorite people from the days of growing up on Millwood Rd. I have been praying for all of you that you will be blessed with comfort and peace.

I am still in shock of the news of Buddy's death. Buddy & I grew up together in Abbeville S.C. and reconnected in Charlotte in 1999. Buddy's excitement for life and love for me as a friend,his family& friends gave him a spark that drew so many to him.Buddy worked hard and played hard but most of all he loved!! He had an infectious smile and a very giving heart. We together enjoyed trips, Panther ballgames, Christmastime,good food,etc.as well as a love for God. His time here on earth I'm sure was just a transition into Heaven. Buddy, you are fondly thought of as one of my lifelong friends and will truly be missed. Roseann, Gabe & Jenny-I am truly sorry and share in your sadness. Much love, Sandy Pruette Pisano

We are so very sorry. Your family will be in our prayers.

To Buddy's Loving Family,

Buddy and I had only been friends for a short while. He and I played some golf together over the past year or so, and we had done a few things socially together, as well. For whatever reason, he and I hit it off and became friends. Buddy was a happy soul, and stood out in the crowd. When my wife passed away suddenly this past November. Buddy was right there to offer his condolences and support. I could tell it was heartfelt and that he grieved for me, as his friend. I know the depth of your grief right now, but I can only offer my humble prayers for your comfort at this awful time. May God bless you and keep you all.

Scott Johnson

Buddy,

I loved you like a brother. I didn't have to talk to you that often or see you that frequently but I always knew you would be there anytime my family of myself needed you. I know that you knew the feeling was mutual. You were the first person I met in 1986 and I always appreciated how quickly you befriended this "Bulldog fan". We had many great and memorable times that I will never forget. You were and still are a great friend and I miss you already! Mrs. Hill, you were the best Mom Buddy could ever have so please keep your chin up remember how much Buddy loved and looked up to you. I am here if you ever need me.

Patrick Nooney

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Buddy was a wonderful person, as well as a great friend!
He will be greatly missed!