William Buist Wells, 82, of Columbia died on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025. He was a son of the late John Anderson and Evelyn Haltiwanger Wells.

Billy (Whale) graduated Dreher High School in 1960 and Clemson University in 1965. At Clemson, Billy was a proud member of the Numeral Society, making lifelong friends, and an IPTAY member for 75 years. As a career, Billy worked with fulfillment in utilities construction both in sales and installation.

Favorite pastimes were Millcreek Farm and Debordieu where he was the King of North Inlet fishing, and spending time with family and friends all over the state. He was a wonderful husband, father, father in law and grandfather always sharing his love of the great outdoors. For many years he loved attending First Presbyterian Men's Bible class and Sunday church services.

Billy, a lifelong Columbia native is survived by his wife of 63 years, Charlene Seigler Wells, son, William "Billy" Buist Wells Jr; daughter DuPre "Dede" Wells Mitchell (Steve); and three grandsons, Stephen Carrington Mitchell Jr. (Samantha), Edward Buist Mitchell and George Wells Mitchell.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in death by brothers Ames Haltiwanger Wells, John Anderson Wells and brother/cousin Mitchell Ewart Wells.

The memorial service for Billy will be held at 2 o'clock on Monday, March 10th, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC, followed by a reception in Jackson Hall. A private family burial in the Churchyard of First Presbyterian will precede the service. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The John A. and Evelyn H. Wells Scholarship at Clemson University ( https://link.edgepilot.com/s/c7df34a3/z-XV9s4tX0Ga8CxEbfbHwA?u=https://iamatiger.clemson.edu/giving/giving-to-clemson?id=96a22be2-766e-4b00-be5c-9c977eefcd9d ), or to First Presbyterian Church ,1324 Marion Street, Columbia, South Carolina, 29201.