Zene Smathers Wells, 94, of Canton passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026. As a member of Bethel Baptist Church, he served as a deacon and a servant of Jesus Christ, delivering fruit baskets and making visits to those that could not leave their homes. After serving 20 years in the US Air Force and traveling with his family across the world, he continued to serve at the Veteran’s Hospital in Oteen. He enjoyed fishing and camping in his free time.

In addition to his parents, he was recently preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years, Janot Armbruster Wells.; sister, Eleen Ruby Grant and grandsons, Wesley and Aaron Wells.

He is survived by his 3 sons, Gary Dale (Debbie) Wells, David Lynn (Freda, recently deceased) Wells, and Brian Carson Wells; grandchildren, Andrew (Audrey) Wells and Charles Wells, and four great grandchildren, Lucus, Bailey, Hazel, and Van.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Silver Bluff for the care and love that they showed Zene.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 15th in the Chapel of Wells Funeral Home, Canton with Reverend Mark Golden officiating. The family will receive friends for 1 hour prior to the service starting at 10:00am. Burial with Military Honors will follow the ceremony at Bethel Community Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 5868 Pigeon Road, Canton, NC 28716.

Wells Funeral Home of Canton has been entrusted with his care.