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ISSUE NO. 10 • March 6, 2025 • RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408
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“His legacy lives on” Eric D. Wells Memorial Shelter dedicated in Kiwanis Park Article & Photos Provided By: Jean Gordon.
the crowd, by the engraved bricks which tell the stories of those who have made On a clear and sunny 52 degree winter both big and small contributions. The Sunday afternoon recently, more than bricks form the foundation of this space 100 people gathered at Kiwanis Park in and each represents the strength and unity Rutherfordton to celebrate and remember that Eric worked so hard to cultivate in the a special friend of the community – Eric D. community. Wells. The mantel that graces the shelter The Town of Rutherfordton, along with was made from a piece of black walnut the Kiwanis Club of Rutherfordton, Boy harvested from the Wells property. The Scout Troop 132, family members and wood was milled and dried by Gilkey friends gathered to dedicate and celebrate Lumber and engraved and finished by Cory the Eric D. Wells Memorial Shelter. Hall, a member of the town’s public works Mayor Jimmy Dancy welcomed the team. group and described Eric as a friend to all. “This shelter is more than just a “We are all beneficiaries,” of his life, structure- it’s a place for laughter, reflection, Dancy said. and connection, where Eric’s spirit of Wells was described by Town Manager community will thrive for generations to Doug Barrick as a dedicated leader whose come,” Barrick said. life was centered on service, kindness, and Eric’s sister, Elly of Asheville, shared uplifting others. stories about her brother and said, “Eric “His legacy lives on in this shelter, which lived what we’re all encouraged and taught: will serve as a space where families can put others before yourself.” gather, share traditions, reflect on the past, She said the shelter built in her brother’s and celebrate the future,” Barrick said. memory is, “Now yours, ours, everyone’s Barrick said Eric dedicated his life space - a quiet spot to sit and eat your to helping ”others grow and thrive... he lunch, a meeting place for your community understood the strength of our community group to plan its next great projects, or comes from lifting each other up and the place to come and celebrate a special supporting one another.” occasion with family and friends.” An Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster, active in “Eric knew the importance of spaces his church, Kiwanis Club, Trinity Christian like this to a community,” Elly continued. “It’s School and the community, Eric lived a life an intentional, Eric Wells-inspired place to of dedication to others. gather and enjoy for all times.” The shelter is a symbol of Eric’s humble Nearly family, friends and community members gather in the She concluded with a quote from the spirit and it stands “proudly in full view Eric D. Wells Memorial Shelter following the dedication ceremony recently. poet Rumi: “Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a of the Scout Hut, overlooking the park”, ladder.” honor Eric’s legacy this shelter would not be a reality.” Barrick told the crowd. “I love that quote and Eric lived it,” Elly said. He also thanked Dr. Scott Lawrence and all donors Barrick thanked the Wells family for their “unwavering For park rentals, who contributed to bring the shelter to life. support and generosity… without your dedication to call Town Hall at 828-287-3520, extension 7. The shelter is made even more special, Barrick told
Boy Scout Troop 132 presents the colors.
Sallie C. Cowan touches the mantel that graces the shelter, made from a piece of black walnut harvested from the Wells property.
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Ginny Wells (left) Eric’s mother with Rutherfordton Town Council member Doris Crute.
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