Ralph Wells

On December 8, 2022, Ralph Wells lost his battle with colon cancer.

Ralph was born in Detroit, MI, on November 29, 1962. He was raised by a trio of loving women. Ralph’s biological mother was Thelma Powell, whose youth and circumstances made providing for her son difficult. Shortly after Ralph’s birth, Thelma asked her cousin Odessa Powell Bedford of Malvern, AR, to adopt him. Odessa loved and cared for Ralph until her death when Ralph was 5 years old. At that point Odessa’s daughter, Mary Bedford, adopted Ralph. Mary and Ralph enjoyed a very loving relationship.

In school, Ralph was one of a few minority students in the gifted and talented classes. In 1981, he graduated from Malvern High School with honors. While attending high school, Ralph played football, held a job in a local restaurant, and served as the first Black president of the National Honor Society. That work experience and being raised by really good cooks encouraged his love for cooking. Ralph was an excellent cook and often cooked in great quantity. He loved to entertain, and often had a house full of guests. Ralph was a generous man, and seldom met a stranger. When his guests had eaten their fill of his delicious food, Ralph always sent them home with to-go bags.

After high school graduation, Ralph moved to Irving, TX, to pursue a B.S. in Engineering from DeVry University. DeVry offered a rigorous learning experience where students earned a 4-year degree in 3 years. In addition to attending college and excelling academically, Ralph had a part-time job at FedEx. As a young man he enjoyed nightlife in Dallas, TX, where he participated in – and won – several dance contests.

Ralph loved sports and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. At one point, his love of sports lead him to play on three different softball teams simultaneously. He was even convinced to give soccer a try. He combined his passion for sports with his love for people by coaching his children, family members, and many youths that felt like family in golf, basketball, football, tennis, and track.

Soon after graduation from DeVry, Ericsson Telecommunications recognized Ralph’s brilliance and hired him in the Dallas, TX, location. Ralph travelled extensively for his job and experienced many cultures and countries like Thailand, Sweden, Canada, Mexico, Jordan, and Spain. He also traveled throughout the United States. Later when Ericsson needed someone with his expertise in the Research Triangle Park, he accepted a promotion and moved to Durham, NC, where he managed a large team of engineers.

While in NC, Ralph learned to play golf and developed a love for the game. He practiced and played often and became a really good golfer, introducing the sport to his children and family members. He also gained really good friendships in his golfing buddies, traveling all over to try out different golf courses. He participated in many golf tournaments, acted as a sponsor for some, and of course won many trophies.

In 2011, Ralph’s division of Ericsson was sold and became Oceus Networks, located in Plano, TX. At Oceus, Ralph’s hard work distinguished him and he became Vice President of Program Management. Prior to his illness, Ralph was working on a project with the U.S. Army to provide 5G private cellular coverage for secure and continuous communications in challenging operating environments.

For more than 30 years, he was a faithful member of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church where he served on the Greetings and Courtesy Usher Board. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Trustee Board and was instrumental in helping St. Luke secure modular buildings to use during the church’s repair from storm damage.

Ralph had a winning smile and a generous spirit that drew people to him everywhere he went. He loved his family and friends, and was kind to people even when they didn’t deserve his kindness. He was a loving and supportive husband and an excellent father who was always present for the milestone events in his children’s lives. He was the go-to guy for help and sound advice. In recent years, he spent his Sunday afternoons directing a basketball skills camp for his great nephews and nieces. Over the years, he stepped in to coach basketball for his son Evan, and never missed a golf tournament or track meet for his daughter Amari.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 30 years, Cheryl Brandon Wells and his children, Amari Wells and Evan Wells. He also leaves behind three sisters: Carolyn Bedford, Debra Rogers, Tammy Wells; two sister in-laws: Lisa Brandon Johnson (Leo), Apryl Brandon, and a host of family members and friends.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following people who supported Ralph unconditionally during his illness: niece Nakesha Reddick, niece Adena Phillips, nephew & niece Torrey & Olanikki Carroll, and cousin Marchie Murdock.

Our family extends our deepest gratitude for your condolences, and hope that you will love your neighbor as you love yourself as Ralph Wells did.

In honor of Ralph, please make donations to the G.O.L.F. 3:16 Ralph Wells Memorial by clicking the link below.

ALL ARE INVITED TO JOIN US VIA LIVE STREAM AT 11:00 AM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2022, BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW:

https://youtu.be/ub-08DMrrTU

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