Eugene Earl Wells

Eugene “Gene” Wells, 91, of Jacksonville, FL peacefully passed away on August 9, 2026. He was a man who measured his life not in accomplishments, but in relationships: playing Santa Claus every Christmas for the grandkids, fervent fund-raising for numerous charities/organizations, endless “check-in” visits and phone conversations with family and friends.

Born in Vienna, GA on May 26, 1935. Gene grew up in Hastings, FL where he became a 3 sport all-conference athlete and was voted most athletic by his peers. As a starting pitcher on the Hasting High School and Palatka semi-pro baseball teams, he recorded several no-hitters earning him the opportunity to join the Cleveland Indians organization. Although sports was a tremendous passion, he instead opted to enter the US Air Force and serve his country in Korea. After returning home and starting a family, he continued his favorite pastime through coaching youth football, baseball and basketball as well as expanding his own player participation activities to bowling, golf and fast-pitch softball.

After working various jobs to support his family, he found his calling when he joined the Duval County Road Patrol then the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office after consolidation. The last 25 years of his 31-year career was spent patrolling the Mayport/Seminole Beach area including Hanna Park where he was affectionately referred to as “Uncle Gene” to the local residents, business owners and beach goers.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 69 years, Rita Melzer Wells; daughter, Toni Wells Skorusa; daughter-in-law, Caroline Reeves Wells; grandchildren, Taryn Wells Thomas (Zac), Logan Skorusa (Jessica), Shea Skorusa (Kevin), and Henry Wells (Don); great-grandchildren, Tegan Thomas, Tinsley Thomas, Tidus Skorusa and Alita Skorusa; brothers, Homer Morgan, Frank Morgan (Linda), and Sam Morgan (Ann); and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Henry “Hank” Wells; parents, William Wesley Wells Sr. and Pearl Mae Morgan; siblings, Fred Dismuke, Cornell Dismuke, Mary Alice Wells, Rebecca Wells, Hazel Wells, William Wesley Wells Jr., Robert Morgan and Roy Morgan.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1423 8th Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL with a reception to follow. The service will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider honoring Gene's memory with a gift to PossAbilities Plus, an organization that provides jobs and social skills training to teens and adults with autism and related abilities. Donations can be made at possabilitiesplus.org or mailed to 1079 Atlantic Blvd. Ste. 1, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233