Obituaries

Mark Russell Wells

Mark Russell Wells, age 70, departed this life peacefully on December 9, 2025, at VCU
Hospital in South Hill, Virginia, surrounded by his loving family.
Mark was born on July 28, 1955, in South Hill, Virginia, to Coolidge and Mary Newman
Wells. He grew up on his family’s farm in Baskerville, where he learned the value of
hard work, integrity, and caring for the land. A 1973 graduate of Park View High School,
Mark continued his farming career in South Hill, dedicating his life to the work he loved
until his retirement. Farming was more than a job to Mark—it was a calling, and he took
great pride in every acre he tended.
Mark leaves behind his loving, devoted wife of 35 years, Darlene Harris Wells, of South
Hill. Known affectionately by many as “Cigar Man,” he had a memorable presence, a
quick smile, and a personality that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Coolidge and Mary Wells.
He is survived by his brothers, Mike Wells (Pam) and Walter Wells (Nancy), and his
sister, Mary Jane Crowder.
Mark is lovingly remembered by his five children: his sons Russell Mark Wells, (Angela)
and Brian Keith Wells, and Jeremy Ellington (Jennifer) and his daughters Jennifer Benson (Nick), Erica Meadows (Jerry).
He was blessed with a large and close-knit family of grandchildren he adored: Skylar
Wells, Colby Wells, Kayla Roethlisberger (Josh), Brandon Wells, Derrick Blackwell
(Nicolette), Gabriel Benson, Eryn Meadows, Emma Meadows, Jordyn Meadows, Ava
Ellington, and Leah Ellington.
His love extended to his great-grandchildren as well—Owen Roethlisberger, Kayden
Blackwell, and Zander Blackwell—each one bringing him joy and pride in their own
special way.
Mark embraced the outdoors and loved hunting and fishing with his children and
grandchildren. He found joy in simple pleasures – days at the beach, games of
volleyball, and dancing whenever the music moved him. He was known for his warm
spirit, easy laugh, and ability to make everyone around him feel welcome.
He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will deeply
miss his humor, his stories, and his warm spirit. Among his most loyal companions were
his beloved dogs, Rusty and Bo.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lake Country SPCA in Clarksville, VA,
or the Mecklenburg County Cancer Association.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 13th, at New Hope Baptist Church,
Highway 138, South Hill, VA. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with the
service beginning at 1:00 PM.
Mark’s family will forever remember him for his generous heart, unwavering work ethic,
and the love he poured into every part of his life.
Online condolences may be sent through our website at www.crowderhitecrews.com.
Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Wells family.