Roger Wells

Retired Major Roger Wells, age 84, of Maumelle, passed away on Friday, February 4, 2022.

He was born on December 9, 1937, in Foley, Alabama, the son of Chester Arthur Wells and Mary Elmira Powers Wells. On December 7, 1956, he married Lorene Skillern. He is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Gloria “Nip”, Sarah and Evelyn; two brothers, Arthur and Silas; one great-granddaughter, Grace Ann Abigail Lofton.

Roger retired from the United States Air Force as a Major. He was a fighter pilot extraordinaire, his peers called him the “World’s Greatest Fighter Pilot”. He was an instructor in the Air Force Fighter Weapons Training School. He gave speeches all over the world regarding fighter pilot training and even spoke at the Navy’s Top Gun School. He was the creator of the Aggressor Squadrons and was instrumental in selling the idea to the Pentagon. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lorene Wells; his son, Roger G. Wells, Jr.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Mike Lofton of North Little Rock and Karen and Dan Dantzler of Fayetteville; eight grandchildren, John Wells, Lauren Wells, Valerie Hoback, Michael Lofton, Bryan Lofton, David Dantzler, Lacey Dantzler and Caden Dantzler; two great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Hoback and Ira Dantzler; nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of wonderful friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, February 8, 2022, in the Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel, Hot Springs.

Visitation will be 1:30 PM until 2:00 PM, prior to the service.

Interment in the Morning Star Cemetery with full Military honors.

In Lieu of flowers the family request donations to The Wounded Warrior Project be made in Roger’s name.

Guest registry at www.davis-smith.com.