Thomas Earle Wells, Jr., aged 71, succumbed to MSA-C on November 8, 2024. He was surrounded by the love of his life, Laura Hughlett Dorris Wells, and his sweet dog, Bay, when he passed.

He was the only child of Thomas Earle Wells and Martha Ann Pritchard and was born in Hopewell, VA. He graduated from First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach in 1971. He also graduated from ECPI.

Tom had many wonderful adventures during his life. He handled challenges with an impressive inner strength and confidence. He was baptized and became a Christian as a teen. His relationship with God molded him into a man with integrity, humility, and loyalty. He was a wonderful husband.

Tom was a self-made man. After working on a shrimp boat in Key West, owning a frame shop, and selling his beautiful watercolor paintings, he furthered his education and had a successful career in IT, ultimately co-owning Advanced Systems Solutions, Inc. for the last 20 years of his career.

Tom was predeceased by his parents and grandparents. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Laura; beloved dog, Bay; step-children: Ryan Dorris, his wife, Melissa, and their children Oliver and Kieran, and Danielle Smith, her husband, Colin, and their son, Gabriel; cousin, Kathy Cantrell, and her sons, Chris and Jeff; cousin, Herman Leftwich, with whom he was very close, and his son, Dee; mother-in-law, Olga Pleasants; father-in-law, Edwin Pleasants; and many childhood friends who he considered to be family.

A small, private service will be held on December 7, 2024. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Tom’s honor to Hope For Life Rescue (https://givebutter.com/tRdvRv), the SPCA (https://vbspca.com/donate/), or the ASPCA (https://aspca.org).