Gordon Herbert Wells

Wells, Gordon Herbert, age 81, of Hoschton passed away Jan. 31, 2019.  He is remembered with love by  his wife, Mary Katherine, sons, Emmett Gordon, Douglas Steven (Tina) and Andrew Jonathan (Robyn), daughter Barbara Lynne (Michael), stepdaughters Katherine Elizabeth Beland, Patricia Ann Mershon and Pamela Lynn Harman (Reid); brother David Richard, sister-in-law, Janice Ruth, 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Gordon lived an exceptional life, driven by a strong commitment to life-long learning, high ethical standards and an unshakeable faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Supported by his Father, Gordon H. Wells, Sr.; mother, Ruth Bushman Wells; and his dear Aunt Leona Wells, he grew up in rural upstate New York on a working farm.  He graduated in 1956 from Albion Central High School where he received varsity letters in both track and baseball, myriad honors and awards for public speaking, and was elected President of his senior class.  As a committed Boy Scout, he attained the highest rank of Eagle Scout.  Gordon also served faithfully as a member of the New York Army National Guard from 1955-1958. He attended the State University of New York (SUNY) Morrisville where he continued his athletics and studied food technology before heading to the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens where he received both his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in the field of Food Science. During his tenure at UGA, he met and married his first beloved, Nora Kathleen before heading to the Michigan State University to complete his doctorate.

During a very successful 35-year career in food science, Gordon held executive level positions in Research and Development for Pillsbury (MN), Krause Milling Co. (WI), Tastykake (PA), and Flowers Industries/Mrs. Smith’s (GA).  He was highly regarded in his field, widely published, held a number of registered patents and received myriad professional recognition awards.

As a nature lover, Gordon discovered the beauty and peace of Sanibel Island in the early 80’s which led to his part-time residency.  He was a “friend” of the J. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, and later served faithfully on the Pointe Santo de Sanibel Long-Range Planning Committee and Board of Directors, as both treasurer and director. He was also an avid golfer and

took great pride in his hard-earned “hole in one.”

Most importantly, Gordon was a faithful believer, follower and servant of our Lord Jesus Christ.  As a true disciple, he dedicated much of his time, resources and gifts to spreading the Word to others, particularly after Nora’s death in 1996, and his subsequent retirement.  He was most proud that he brought all four of his children toward relationship with Christ. Most recently, he served as an elder at Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church where he was highly regarded as a gentle, compassionate and wise leader.  He discipled and mentored young men, studied and taught scripture, and counseled troubled couples as needed.  He shared Christ’s message overseas as well in mission to the people of Croatia for years alongside his beloved second wife, Mary Katherine (MK), whom he met through friends at Chestnut Mountain Church and married in Nov. 1997.  The two of them shared a blessed life for more than 21 years during which they travelled, worshipped, volunteered, loved and celebrated together.

Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, February 9 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service of remembrance and celebration at 11:00 a.m. at Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church, Chestnut Mountain, GA, 675 Winder Hwy., Flowery Branch, GA, 30542.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) Research Foundation www.mpnresearchfoundation.org or the Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church https://cmpca.org/ would be appreciated. 

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, Georgia  30542 is in charge of arrangements.  Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.