Robert M. Wells, 81, of Blythewood, died Tuesday, May 6, 2014. Born in Richland County on October 23, 1932, he was a son of the late William Henry Wells, Sr. and Mary Ella McFarland Wells. Mr. Wells proudly served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Columbia and the Martha Linderholm Bible Survey Sunday School Class. He was also a 50 plus years life member of the United Association of Journeymen of the Steamfitter and Welder Industry of the US and Canada, and worked as an independent mechanical contractor.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mary Gilmore Wells; daughters, Linda Douglas (Richard) of Blythewood, Brenda Palmer (Preston) of Columbia, and Carol Lambdin (Jim) of Blythewood; a son, Todd Wells (Mary Anne) of Blythewood; sisters, Verdie Christmus (Dan) of Columbia, Helen Walhood (Gordon) of Albuquerque, NM; brothers, Wally Wells (Judy) of Big Lake, AK, and Monty Wells (Sandra) of Lake Mary, FL; grandchildren, Sarah, William, Caitlyn, Christopher, Brittany, Tyler, and Rachel; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Edna Earle Wells; and a brother, Billy Wells.

A funeral service for Mr. Wells will be held at 11 o'clock, Friday, May 9th at First Baptist Church of Columbia, Boyce Chapel, 1306 Hampton Street, Columbia, with The Rev. Dennis Banks officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock, Thursday evening at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Drive, Columbia. Gifts of remembrance may be given to Impact International, P.O. Box 12430, Columbia, SC 29211.