KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Preston Wells, a young boy diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in 2019, passed away overnight, his family member confirmed.
Wells, better known as "PMan," was known for his loving spirit and fierce generosity.
"Our baby got to throw his port at the devil. He is a linebacker this morning for God's football team," said Randall Wells, PMan's grandfather, posted on Facebook around 5:41 a.m. Friday.
"This morning at 5 a.m., he was struggling so much. And we said, 'PMan. Close your eyes. And when you see Jesus, you run like the wind to him.' And that he did, a few minutes later he did," said Randall.
Preston's mother, Amanda Wells, remembers the impact her son had on his community.
"He's so innocent. He didn't know the things that he did was so beautiful and so inspiring to people," said Amanda.
According to East Tennessee Children's Hospital, PMan sent notes to the troops and provided blankets to other patients who needed extra comfort.
His nurses say they are going to miss having their friend around.
"It's just his huge heart and his joking and laughing and his crazy dance moves," said Carly Mills, a registered nurse with the children's hospital.
His family thanked the community for their support, which helped him fight the cancer for years.
"We can never thank our community enough, thank you all so much for what you've done for PMan," said Randall. "He gave a lot but you all gave him a lot. You showed him your love."
Last year, PMan wrote more than 200 Christmas cards for inmates in Roane County. "Tears are prayers too. They travel to God when you can't speak," one of his cards said. "Remember you are loved."
In 2021, PMan hosted a yard sale and raised money to help buy food for shelter pets.
WBIR visual storyteller David Raborn dressed up as Santa and visited PMan in the hospital recently to deliver him a gift. You can watch the video below.
Harriman Middle School, where PMan played football, said the "Harriman Community experienced a great loss of one of our own."
According to his obituary, family members will receive friends on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at the Harriman High School gymnasium from 5 p.m. through 8 p.m. A service will fellow, before graveside services on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
WBIR sends our deepest condolences to PMan's family and friends.