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.
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37 Condolence(s)
Kurt Schaffer
Friday, November 21, 2025
So sorry for your loss.
Lisa Jones Stewart
Friday, November 21, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss
John Rex Wilson
Friday, November 21, 2025
Joel and family, please accept my sympathy .
Earlene Carter
Friday, November 21, 2025
So sorry for your loss 🙏
Josephine Perry
Friday, November 21, 2025
So sorry to hear about Joe. He was well thought of and loved He will.be missed. Prayers for the family
Gary and Rose Craig
Friday, November 21, 2025
Condolences to the family. Miss getting to visit with Joe and Edna Mae. Prayers for you all.
Jessica Allison Sellers
Friday, November 21, 2025
I am so very sorry for the loss of your father. He sounded like a wonderful man. Prayers for strength, comfort and peace.
Robert and Michelle Wells
Friday, November 21, 2025
Joe was a great man, really enjoyed our conversations.
Sid and Lea Ann Tudor Lowrance
Friday, November 21, 2025
Always like talking with Joe. Always with smile and something good to say. We are praying for you all. My God bless you all.
Rick Watts
Friday, November 21, 2025
He told me stories of the Three of them. Buddies in school. Mack Watts(my dad), David Treat, and himself. What a bunch. A very kind gentleman. Joe D. Wells. Always will be remembered with joy! Our prayers to you all especially Mrs. Edna!
Donna and Dean Siemer
Friday, November 21, 2025
Our sincere thoughts and prayers!
Ruby Vincent
Thursday, November 20, 2025
So sorry for your loss...
Ruby Vincent, One of Teena's retired teacher friends
Kirk Hamilton
Thursday, November 20, 2025
So sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
Roy Dale and Jeneane Ragland
Thursday, November 20, 2025
I am so sorry to hear the news of Joe's passing! Like everyone else I loved this man! Joe was always such a super guy, I always enjoyed visiting with him. Our love and prayers are sent to all of his family!
Terry & Delinda Phillips
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Our deepest sympathy to your family during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you all.
Terri Case Jackson
Thursday, November 20, 2025
I neglected to mention his love for music. Uncle Joe would bust out singing ''Chantilly Lace''. When very young, Cindy, Teena and I would giggle and sing with him. Mom told us stories of them singing and dancing in Well's store when he was a teenager.
Lisa & Rick Boyer
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Prayers for all of the family during this difficult time. God Bless all of you during this time and always
Rodney Geurin
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Sorry for your loss Joel, praying for your family
John Pfitzner
Thursday, November 20, 2025
My Condolences to the Family of Joe Wells.
The obituary of Joe is just how I remembered him when I was around him always a gentleman and respected by everyone. I know he will be missed by all. You will always have the Great Memories of the time spent with Joe. - and 🙏🙏
sam pemberton
Thursday, November 20, 2025
A great friend and someone worthy of praise, prayers for the family and RIP Joe
sam pemberton
Thursday, November 20, 2025
A great friend and someone worthy of praise, prayers for the family and RIP Joe
Roger Estes
Thursday, November 20, 2025
I was privileged to attend Church with Joe and Edna for a time. He was a fine Christian man and his friendship I will cherish.
Johnney and Anna Horton
Thursday, November 20, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed visiting with Joe Dale and Edna Mae. We would see them once in a while in Harrison. Prayers for the family.
Diane Cauley
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Beautifully written obituary. Praying that the family be continually bathed in God's peace, and love. No doubt Uncle Joe will be missed! Praying Aunt Edna Mae feel the warmth of the presence of our almighty God continuously! Until we meet again rest in peace, and love Uncle Joe.
Mark Washam
Thursday, November 20, 2025
He always looked out for me .
Albert & Anna Maze
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Your families are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Sandy Brill
Thursday, November 20, 2025
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! *hug*
Terri Case Jackson
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Uncle Joe enriched my life so much. He brought a comfortable easiness to our family. I am forever blessed to have spent so many hours around Grandma Opal's and Grandpa Roger's table. One big happy family. Many stories and much laughter. Both Uncle Joe and Aunt Edna Mae were a constant in our lives.. From early childhood they both brought joy to us and I hope we added joy to their lives too. So fortunate to have had an Uncle Joe.
James and Leada Horton
Thursday, November 20, 2025
We were blessed to have been friends with Joe for many, many years and previous neighbors to Joe and Edna Mae. He was a good man. Our love and prayers for Edna Mae and all the family.❤️🙏❤️🙏
Todd Speakman
Thursday, November 20, 2025
So sorry for the family's loss.
Barbara Smith
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Joe was a good guy. He was always ready to talk anytime you wanted to, He will be missed by all who knew and loved him,. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Nina Baysinger
Thursday, November 20, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with you
Eddie and Pam Cannada
Thursday, November 20, 2025
We are so sad to hear of Joe passing. We will miss our visits when we happened to see them in Harrison. Love and hugs to Edna Mae and the kids.
Betty and Ray Barnes
Thursday, November 20, 2025
What a beautiful written obituary. I don't think I knew him but he sounds like a person I would like to have known. He sounds a lot like my grandpa. Grandpa (Rack Kelley) was the cornerstone of our family and Joe sounds like he might have been your cornerstone. I know a few of you and I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will miss him dearly. Prayers for your family and may God give you peace and strength in your hearts in the days ahead.
Sherri Ragland
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Jennifer and family I'm so very sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.
Sonny and patty woods
Thursday, November 20, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss.prayers for all .
Rhonda Carter Rhonda Carter
Thursday, November 20, 2025
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.