Gale Harris Wells

Gale (Nana Gale) Harris Wells, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, after a tragic fall, surrounded by family and loved ones. Nana Gale fought a long battle with lung disease and lived a life of love and joy to so many people.  She was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on April 26, 1949, to the late Margaret and Grady Harris. 

Nana Gale loved her family and was a devoted wife, married to Robert S. Wells, who preceded her in death in 2021. Nana Gale worked as an account specialist at Santee Cooper and was known for her love for frogs and loved a good, sweet treat. Anyone who knew Nana Gale, knew that a frog would make her happy.

Nana Gale is survived by her daughter Amy Smith and two stepdaughters, Ginger Knowlin, Heather Johnson (Rick).

She has nine grandchildren, Austin Wells, Hunter Kroencke, Tyler Smith (Olivia), Sam Knowlin, Brandon Hewett, Zachary Smith, Jaiden Knowlin, Billy Douglas and Abigail Johnson; a sister Betty Thraves (John) and a Goddaughter, Rylee Faile. She is also survived by the most recent addition to the family, her great granddaughter, Ella Grace Smith. Gale has many other adopted grandchildren, too many to mention as she loved every child as her own.

She is predeceased by her mother and father, Margaret and Grady Cecil Harris; her daughter, Lisa Douglas; sister, Patricia Breidenbach (Gary) and her and Papa’s beloved cat, Mr. Happy.

Nana Gale loved her family and friends and was loved by everyone who came in contact with her. She worked hard throughout her life to provide for her children and family. Her smile lights up the room and she never knew a stranger. Nana was considered the “Frog Lady” because she had frogs surrounding her wherever she was. Working at Santee Cooper, her desk would be covered, and she would always say they bring joy to others and make people smile. Nana also loved to gamble. She was known to be found playing Bingo and always looking for a good slot machine. She always seemed to be the luckiest one of the family. Nana Gale loved the Lord. Her faith brought her through many battles she fought with her lung disease and made her stronger and stronger. She was at peace as she left us here in this world and left a mark of love and joy on so many.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 2:00 PM, Sunday, June 29th, 2025, at McMillan-Small Funeral Home, 910 67th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday, June 29th, 2025, at McMillan-Small Funeral Home. 

Burial service is Monday at 2:30 PM, Monday, June 30th, 2025, at Southlawn Memorial Cemetery, 1911 Birdsong Road, Petersburg, VA 23805.

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