Joseph Irvine Wellman, Sr.

Joseph Irvine Wellman, Sr. passed away peacefully in his home on December 6, 2014. Mr. Wellman was born in McComas, West Virginia on February 8, 1939. He was the son of Albert and Helen Wellman. As a child he lived in McComas, but later moved to Hemp Hill and then on to Welch. He graduated from Welch High School in 1958. Always the avid sportsman, Mr. Wellman played basketball, baseball, and football during high school. Throughout his life, he had a true love for bowling. Upon graduating from high school, he worked for Earl Iaeger as a car salesman. He then worked for Ginato Pontiac & Buick for many years. He then moved to Princeton where he worked for Ercoline Nissan and Ramey Automotive. Mr. Wellman is survived by his wife, Geraldine Wellman of Princeton; two sons, Joseph I. Wellman, Jr. and wife Misti of Princeton and Jeffrey L. Wellman of Princeton; four grandchildren: Sarah N. Lackey and Husband Joseph of Bluefield, Joshua H. Wellman of Princeton, Holly E. Wellman of Bluefield, and Jered B. Wellman of Princeton. Mr. Wellman is also survived by brother Elwood Wellman and wife Kathy of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, brother Edward Wellman and wife Christine of Princeton, brother-in-law Kenny Smith of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and sister-in-law Alice Wellman of Cleveland, Ohio. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Wellman is predeceased by sister Mary Wellman, brother Elsworth Wellman, brother Freddy Wellman, and sister Delores Smith. Mr. Wellman had a special love for his dog "Spanky." Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at 1:00 PM at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel in Bluewell with Pastor Derrek Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell. Friends may call on Tuesday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road (Bluewell), Bluefield, WV 24701 is serving the family.