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Aug. 2, 1952 – Sept. 30, 2024

RIDGELAND, MS – Laurence Buie Wells departed this life on Sept. 30, 2024. He was 72 years old.

Larry was born on Aug. 2, 1952, in Natchez, and was the firstborn of Calvin B. Wells and Mary Margarette M. Wells. He grew up in Natchez and graduated from South Natchez High School where he was a member of the marching and orchestral bands. Upon high school graduation, he attended Millsaps College and earned a BA in theater.

After several career endeavors, he returned to Millsaps College to join the staff as a research coordinator. It was here that he met an English professor, Anne MacMaster, who became his loving companion for over thirty years.

Larry enjoyed his work at Millsaps as well as collecting books and World War I and World War Il militaria. He also acted in numerous stage productions of the Jackson Little Theater, New Stage Theater, and the Millsaps Players. Larry was awarded a Millsaps Players Acting Award for Man of La Mancha in 1979. He was also awarded the “Mamma Goss” Award by the theatre department in 2023, for his role in “Eurydice.” This award is presented to someone from outside the Millsaps Players who has made a significant contribution to the program. Larry was recognized as a model of professionalism and discipline for student actors as well as contributing his outstanding talent and acting skills to the production. He felt a strong responsibility to be a role model for young actors.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin B. Wells and Mary Margarette M. Wells.

He is survived by his companion, Anne MacMaster; brother, Terry Wells; sister, Cheri W. Heflin (Mike) and sister, Cassi W MacNaughton (Craig). Larry is also survived by his nieces, Ashley W. Hullender (Tripp), Leslie W. Baskin (Brad), and his nephews, Mathew Grier, Harper Grier (Haven), and John Calvin Heflin.

A visitation for Larry will be held on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, from 9:30 until 11 a.m. at Parkway Funeral Home and Parkway Memorial Cemetery, 1161 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, MS 39157, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Millsaps College, 1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39202.