Obituary - Frederick Wheelock Wells

Frederick Wheelock Wells, age 87, a true gentleman , teacher, coach and mentor to many, passed away to join the Lord on July 21, 2023. Fred was born in 1936 in Richmond, Virginia to his parents, John Lewis and Lula Hammond Wells. Fred was a life-long member of First Baptist Church.

Fred, aka, Pop-Pop, is survived by his wife, Sarah, brother Barry and his family in Sweden; son Bill (Suzy); daughter Kim Walton of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by his 4 grandchildren, Sarah Anne Brewer (Derrick), Billy Jr., Jack and Ashlyn Walton.

He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, where he met his wife of 65 years, Sarah Lee Shumate. He was a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College where he lettered in football and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, Omicron Delta Kappa and later the Patrick Henry Society. In 1974, he attained his master’s in science education from the University of Virginia, while teaching at JR Tucker HS.

He began his teaching career at Freeman High School, while coaching football, basketball and track. Upon the opening of JR Tucker High School, he accepted the job as their first head football coach. During his 30+ years there, he taught Physics, Math and Driver’s Ed. In 1972 he was named the Athletic Director until he retired in 1994. JR Tucker High School honored Coach, by naming their football stadium after him.

Fred filmed UVA’s football games from 1974 – 1987 and enjoyed his time under the direction of Coach George Welch. For 17 summers, he was the Canterbury Pool Director. He enjoyed rebuilding his VW engine, tinkering with many projects around the house and even taking on a side job of power-washing homes, and spending time with family and friends in Whalehead Beach, NC; travelling to the athletic director conventions with Sarah, and their Rivah weekend trips with close friends. He later retired from The Hermitage Country Club after working 20+ years maintaining the tennis clay courts. He always enjoyed his Saturday morning breakfast club, which included many retired teachers, coaches and friends.

A visitation will be held at Woody Funeral Home on Parham Road on Thursday, July 27th from 4 pm – 8 pm and his celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church sanctuary, Monument Avenue on Friday July 28th, 11 am. The family suggests memorial contributions to be sent to JR Tucker High School – Athletics Department in lieu of flowers.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of The Westmont at Short Pump, Legacy Hospice and private care from Care Advantage.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com for the Wells family.