HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 31

(By Delegates Faircloth, Ashley, Brown, Givens,

Hatfield, Leggett, Overington, Smirl, Spencer,

Amores, Ferrell, Flanigan, Louisos, Mezzatesta,

Pino, Prunty, Webb, J. Smith, Armstead,

Walters, Trump, Harrison and McGraw)


[Introduced February 19, 2002; referred to the

Committee on Rules.]


Commemorating the passing of John M. "Slim" Wells, gentleman, statesman, humanitarian and friend.

Whereas, On Monday, the third day of December, 2001, the City
of Charleston, the County of Kanawha, and the State of West Virginia lost an outstanding public servant and community leader with the passing of John M. "Slim" Wells; and
Whereas, On April 19, 1918, John Calvin Wells and Florence Friedman Turk became the proud parents of a son whom they named John. John, who would later be better known to all as "Slim," grew up in Charleston and attended public schools. Never afraid of hard work, Slim had a newspaper route at a very early age and at the age of 14 he went to work for the R. H. Kyle Furniture Company sweeping floors and doing other not so glamorous jobs. Following his graduation from Charleston High School, Slim continued to work at the furniture warehouse until he answered the call to serve his country during World War II and joined the United States Army. Following the war, Slim returned to Kyle Furniture where he went on to become the company owner and President; and
Whereas, Slim Wells was a one of a kind individual who was respected and liked by all. Slim often put the needs of others above his own, and he always paid his employees a fair wage and provided them with a pension comparable to his own. Slim had a keen wit and often introduced himself as John M. "not so slim" Wells. He also had a unique way of expressing himself, and his "Slimisms" were always on the mark. He had colorful nicknames for his many friends such as Eric the Red and Dirty Sally and, if he was unsure of someone, he might dub them as "Wormy"; and
Whereas, Slim's love for the City of Charleston led him to run for City Council where he served for twelve years. He was also elected as the City Treasurer and served in that position for four years. In 1978, Slim's concern for the welfare of the citizens of Kanawha County inspired him to run for higher office. That year, he was elected to the House of Delegates for the first time and he was reelected in 1980 and again in 1984 and 1986; and
Whereas, In addition to his public service, Slim dedicated much time to various causes and was a member of numerous civic, social and public service organizations including the Charleston Rotary Club, the Charleston YMCA, and the Salvation Army. A Republican Party stalwart, Slim attended every Republican National Convention from 1958 to 1988. He was a Mason and a Shriner and also served on the Board of the Charleston Civic Center and the Kanawha Valley Bank. For his many contributions and dedication to the State of West Virginia, Slim was recognized by Former Governor Cecil Underwood as a Distinguished West Virginian in 1999; and
Whereas, Slim was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy, and is survived by his bride of nineteen years, Uala Puckett Wells, and four children, John M. Wells, Jr.; Nancy W. Johnson; Sally W. Preston; and R. Michael Wells; ten grandchildren, and six great grandchildren; and
Whereas, During his long and colorful life, Slim Wells touched and enriched many lives, and those who had the opportunity to know and work with him were truly fortunate. Slim Wells gave unselfishly of himself to his family, friends, employees, community, county and State and it is most fitting that we honor his memory; and
Whereas, The passing of John M. "Slim" Wells should not go unnoticed; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That deepest regret and sorrow are hereby expressed by the members of this body at the passing of John M. "Slim" Wells, gentleman, statesman, humanitarian and friend; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to his wife and children.