Archibald Wells Black, Jr. “Wells” passed away peacefully on May 10, 2022, after a long and courageous battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Wells Black (Archie and Carol) also of Greenville and the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. B. T. Gault of Greer and Mr. and Mrs. Hoke B. Black of Greenville.
Wells grew up in Greenville where he spent summers participating in SAIL, Greenville’s summer swim league, and where he played Pelham Road Mustang football each fall, continuing through his years at Eastside High School and Christ School in Arden, NC. While at Christ School, he was a Prefect, a captain of the football team, and selected to the All-Western NC Football Team. He participated in other sports such as basketball and track, and he graduated Christ School as salutatorian. Wells went on to his beloved Davidson College, where he played football his freshman year until an injury ended his playing career. Davidson always held a special place in his heart and it was the place where he began what would become lifelong friendships.
He taught History and Spanish and coached at a private school in St. Petersburg, Florida before going on to receive his law degree from the USC School of Law. He practiced law in Greenville from 1998 until his declining health forced him to retire in 2015.
In his spare time, Wells enjoyed boating and chasing fish on the lake, in saltwater creeks, or out in the open ocean. He loved music (especially Foo Fighters, Metallica, and Van Halen), playing guitar, and writing music.
In addition to his parents, Wells is survived by his fiancée and Davidson classmate, Alex Faulk, his children whom he loved dearly, Archibald Wells Black III and Cely Anne Black, both of Greenville, his sister, Catherine Black Koysza (David), and nieces, Caroline and Sadie Koysza, of Mt. Pleasant, SC.
He is also survived by an aunt, Sharon Gault Benston (Gerry), his uncle, Hoke B. Black, Jr., and cousins, Bill Benston (Janna), Beth Benston Elmore (Gay), and Laura Benston Brockman (Steve) and their children.
Wells’ faithful yellow lab, Curry, named for Davidson alum, Steph Curry, was with him during the courageous last years of his life.
His family wishes to thank all his caregivers, especially Wahid Dennis, and those who prayed for him.
Donations may be made in his memory, earmarked for research, to the South Carolina ALS Association, 130 Gardners Circle, PMB 622, Johns Island, South Carolina 29455.
A memorial service will be held on Monday May 16,2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Buncombe Street United Methodist Church Sanctuary with visitation to follow until 4:00 p.m. in the Parlor.
Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Live Stream by visiting www.buncombestreetumc.org.
