of Harrison, AR

October 13, 1940 - November 18, 2025

Joe Dale Wells, 85, of Harrison, Arkansas, formerly of Marshall, Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, surrounded by the family who loved him so dearly. He was born on October 13, 1940, in Witts Springs, Arkansas, to Roger Everett Wells and Opal Evans Wells.

Joe grew up in Snowball, Arkansas, where his parents owned a small general store, a place where the community gathered around the pot belly stove to visit, swap stories, and look out for one another. Those early years shaped him in all the best ways, grounding him in the values he carried throughout his life including hard work, humility, and a quiet, steady strength. On June 4, 1960, Joe married the love of his life, Edna Mae Knee. This year, they celebrated 65 years of marriage, years filled with faith, devotion, and the kind of steady love that set an example for all of us.

Joe was a proud father to three children: Teena and husband Calvin Fare, Joel and wife Amy Wells, and Jennifer and husband Camilo Morales. His family was his greatest joy. He was blessed with four grandchildren including Andrea McDonald and husband Aaron, James Fare and wife Tashina, Jacob Laymon and wife Tori, and Jonah Laymon, and a large, dearly loved group of great grandchildren including Thomas McDonald and wife Sarah, Ryan McDonald and wife Bailey, Allison Fare-Fry, Easton McDonald, Madison McDonald, Chase Fare, Daniel Fare, Colt Fare, Rylee Johnson, Lauren Blair, Alyssa Laymon, Jackson Laymon, Amya Laymon and one great-great grandson, Wyatt McDonald. Each one brought him pride, joy, and countless memories. He is also survived by his nephews Roger Steven Case and wife Chanetta, and Philip Martin Case, and by his niece Terri Lea Jackson and husband Joe David. Additional survivors include his sisters in law Linda Steen and Judy Kelley and husband Jack, and his brothers in law Keith Dennie and Chuck Knee and wife Sheila.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Glenna Dennie, and his niece Cynthia Case Sandefur. He was also preceded in death by his in laws Charles Knee and Kathleen Humphrey Knee, and by great aunts and uncles who were like bonus parents to him including Eula and Ralph Phillips and Verlie and Vance Phillips.

Joe lived a life marked by faith, kindness, and a gentle spirit. He was steady, dependable, and always willing to lend a hand. Whether he was sharing a story, offering quiet wisdom, or simply sitting nearby, his presence brought comfort and peace. His legacy is one of love, family, and a life well lived.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Coffman Funeral Home
923 Highway 65 North
Marshall, AR  72650
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com