William George Wells, 74

February 11, 1951 - September 19, 2025

William George Wells, was born on February 11, 1951, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Loretta Mae Waters and William Melford Wells. William had a happy early childhood living with his grandparents Peter and Blanche Waters, on South Christian St. in Lancaster, PA. They were loving, caring, and very supportive.

His educational journey began at Adams Ragged and George Washington Elementary Schools and continued through Edward Hand Junior High. During high school, he enriched his learning through the Upward Bound Program at Franklin & Marshall College, where he spent his summers in grades 10 through 12. His high school journey culminated at J.P. McCaskey Senior High, graduating in June of 1969. His pursuit of higher education and overall love of learning included studies at Penn State University, Gannon University, Rowan University, and Camden County College.

Active and engaged from an early age, he was deeply involved in community programs and youth organizations that shaped his character and values. He spent countless hours at the Boys Club, Salvation Army, Crispus Attucks Center, and the YMCA, where he played baseball, basketball, flag football, and ping pong. William spent summers at Camp Snyder and the Optimist Club’s Crispus Attucks Camp at Musser Park. He was also active with the Lancaster Recreation Commission, the Urban League, Young Democrats, and the NAACP Youth Group. His love of the outdoors flourished through Boy Scout Troop 104, where he camped, attended Scout Jamborees, hiked part of the Appalachian Trail, earned numerous merit badges, and proudly achieved the rank of Life Scout.

He began his faith journey at South Christian Street Mennonite Church under the leadership of Reverend Lester Weaver, where his love for learning Scripture was nurtured by Sunday school teachers who brought Bible stories to life. As an active member of the church, at a young age, he participated in Vacation Bible School, Camp Hebron, and cherished summers spent with Mennonite families in Landisville and Neffsville, where he embraced farm life, rising early to milk cows and care for animals, lessons that instilled in him a deep respect for faith, community, and hard work.

At the age of twelve, he experienced the heartbreaking loss of his father, who tragically drowned in an accident while working at the Lancaster Disposal Plant. Though deeply shaken by this loss, he found strength through his involvement in sports, church activities, and the grounding lessons of the Bible, which offered him hope and resilience during those difficult years.

On April 28, 1979, William was united in marriage to Marcia Kay Moragne and together they shared 46 years of love and devotion. William’s devotion to Marcia was evident from the very beginning: he faithfully traveled from Lancaster to New Jersey each weekend during their courtship, always arriving with a thoughtful gift, and during their engagement, he expressed his love through daily letters that spoke to his unwavering commitment and affection. Their union was blessed with six children: Marcia Christina, Adrianne, Erica, Marcus, Lisa and William; and four grandchildren: Phoebe, Alexander, Maxwell, and Noah. William’s greatest joy in life was found in the everyday moments he shared with his children. Whether it was cheering them on in sports, taking long walks to the park, or gathering around the table for games, puzzles, and laughter, he cherished every opportunity to be present with them. He passed on his love of books and learning, often sparking their imaginations with stories and challenges that reflected his playful wit and sharp mind. His jokes filled their home with warmth, and his pride in each of his six children and later, his grandchildren, was unwavering. To William, being a father was his most meaningful role, and his love will forever remain a source of strength and joy for his family.

William’s career path reflected determination and service, beginning at Henry’s Umbrella Factory and Lancaster Malleable Foundry before moving to the Lancaster Redevelopment Authority, where he worked on community research and housing projects. In 1972, he began a long career with RCA, later Martin Marietta and Lockheed Martin, advancing from the Reprographics Department to equipment development and the International Department, where he managed global contracts and shipments. During his employment with RCA through Lockheed Martin, he was a member of Toastmasters International, a nonprofit educational organization founded in 1924 that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. He was on the path to Distinguished Toastmaster.

Beyond his professional work, William devoted himself to ministry and community service, serving as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, minister, and elder. He was also a member of the Gloucester Township Human Relations Commission, focusing on issues relating to crime and race, and served as a hospital Chaplain in New Jersey. He served on the board of Bible2School, an organization that provides free elective Bible classes to elementary school children attending public school during the school day. William always strived to uplift his community with faith, dedication, and compassion.

William’s ministry journey was rich and impactful. He poured his heart into leading and supporting married couples, strengthening men’s ministry, and lifting voices through the choir, where his love for worship shone brightly. Like Abraham, he left everything he knew one year after marriage to offer ministry support to his father-in-law, Pastor Felder Moragne, during his illness. He also supported many pastors by offering his expertise in ministry through training and mentoring. Through each church community, he left a legacy of faith, fellowship, and encouragement that continues to inspire those he served alongside. William had a special love for lighthouses, drawn to the way they symbolize guidance, hope, and steadfast light in times of darkness; fittingly, “Lighthouse” was the name he used for his ministry, and through it, his legacy of faith and guidance will continue to shine brightly.

William will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 46 years, Marcia K. Moragne Wells; children, Marcia Christina Wells, Adrianne Brathwaite (Sheldon), Erica Graves (Willie), Marcus Wells (Francesca), Lisa Warchola (Thomas), and William Wells; grandchildren, Phoebe, Alexander, Maxwell, and Noah; an uncle, William Waters of Lancaster; 6 sisters-in-law, 6 brothers-in-law, a host of nieces and nephews; a very special cousin, Gail Colon, and numerous other family members and friends.

A viewing and opportunity for reflection from the Lancaster community will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Snyder Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. A viewing will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11 am to 12 noon, followed by a Service of Triumph celebrating William’s life at Bright Side Baptist Church, 515 Hershey Avenue, Lancaster, PA. The Service will be live-streamed here on the date of service.

Memorial Donations in William’s name may be made to The Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and The American Heart Association.

Watch the tribute video