John "Rusty" Wells

 John Russell ‘Rusty’ Wells, born in Atlanta on August 5, 1953, and passed away on September 25, 2018. 

He attended Walker High School in Atlanta and later received a football scholarship to Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina. He moved to Gainesville in 1984 and soon after began building the log house where his family still resides. 

Rusty was the kind of man you wanted to be around. He believed in treating all creatures fairly. He never thought twice to stand up to someone who was exhibiting a principle he didn’t want his children to grow up with. A renaissance man, he could build anything, tame the wildest of animals, land any fish, make delicious any ingredient, and love till the stars fell from the sky. His rhythm was influenced by his love for nature and those who tickled the ivory. He was as hard as they come yet one of the most caring souls. He was the best of dads, and taught his kids how life should really be lived.

He is now dancing in Heaven with his sister Gwen and his mother Katherine.

Those left to celebrate his memory include his father Russell Wells, his brother Bobby Wells, his former wife Stephanie Wells, his son Neil Kirkes, his son Zachary Wells, his daughter Jesse Jane Wells, his daughter-in-law Megan Johnson Wells, his granddaughter Savannah Jane Wells, and his nieces and nephews Jeremy, Mandy, and Eric.

A service to honor Rusty will be held from 2 PM to 4 PM on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 770-297-6200. Online condolences can be made at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.