Bruce Franklin Wells, 79, a 30 plus year resident of Gulf Breeze, FL, died peacefully Saturday, December 31, 2017 at home.

Born in Montgomery, AL, he was a graduate of Auburn University, but a lifelong Bama fan--Roll Tide!

Bruce was a nationally recognized sales trainer, motivational speaker, humorist, writer and investment expert. He served as a senior executive in the banking, insurance, mutual fund and securities industries. He was a published author of both financial and motivational books.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Wesley and Ruth Adams Wells; a brother, Joseph Wesley Wells and son-in-law, Robert Pratt.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 47 years, Suzanne Wells; his children, Dr. Deborah Wells of Slippery Rock, Pa, Bruce Franklin Wells, Jr. of Phoenix, AZ, Valerie Wells Bennett (Cal) of Raleigh, NC, Shoshawna Wells Reese of Raleigh, NC and Matthew Jamieson Wells (Jennifer) of Bronxville, NY. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Lisbeth Wells-Pratt, Brooks Bennett (Chelsea), Will Bennett, Lillian Burkhart, Margaux Burkhart, Jack Wells and Luke Wells.

Bruce will be remembered for his good nature, strong values, kindness, wisdom, unwavering sense of fairness, devotion to family, and, especially, for his wonderful sense of humor. He never missed an opportunity to inject humor into a situation and managed to leave many smiling and laughing faces in his wake. He felt his life experiences had given him insight into advising others and was called on frequently to provide guidance. He enjoyed the idea that many of the people who asked him for advice did so because he made them laugh. He loved family and loved life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A memorial celebration of Bruce's life will take place in March.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.