KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In early December, a 12-year-old boy known for the love he shared with the world and for the smiles he brought to people he never met, died.
WBIR reported the tragedy soon after. Preston Wells, otherwise known as P-Man, died after a fight against bone marrow cancer. He made a mark on a community that cherished his notes, hugs and enduring positivity.
On Friday, his family stopped by the WBIR newsroom to deliver Christmas cards penned by P-Man before he passed away. P-Man had previously written cards to people he never knew, trying to bring cheer during the holidays. The cards featured sayings and Bible verses, including handwritten notes.
"I want you to know how special you are. You are loved. Merry Christmas!" said one of the cards delivered to WBIR.
Some members of WBIR's newsroom had the honor to meet P-Man while he was in the hospital, during a holiday visit to the East Tennessee Children's Hospital.
According to East Tennessee Children's Hospital, P-Man had previously sent notes to the troops and provided blankets to other patients who needed extra comfort. Last year, he wrote more than 200 Christmas cards for Roane County.
"Tears are prayers too. They travel to God when you can't speak," one of his cards said in 2022. "Remember you are loved."
The year before that, P-Man hosted a yard sale and raised money to help buy food for shelter pets.
Graveside funeral services were on Dec. 14 for P-Man.
WBIR sends its deepest condolences to the family of P-Man, as well as its sincerest gratitude for the holiday cards.