John Wayne Wells and Shay McCulloch-Wells are lifelong champions of music education and the performing arts. Their dedication to these causes has brought the power of the arts to our community and inspires their special commitment to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.
John’s love of music started at a young age, initiated by his mother’s insistence that he study piano, ballet, and tap dance. This early exposure encouraged John’s creative expression, discipline, self-confidence, and leadership abilities, which have served him throughout his life.
At 18 years old, John enlisted in the Navy, beginning a 20-year career in service of his country. During this time, he earned the title of Master Chief, eventually becoming an Officer. John holds a bachelor’s degree from Chaminade College, and an MBA from Pepperdine University.
Following his retirement, John’s life changed forever when he met his wife, Shay, who is a Fort Worth native. Driven by their shared curiosity and desire to experience culture, John and Shay travelled the world together. They purchased houses in Scotland and Spain, while also maintaining homes in Fort Worth, Texas, and Red River, New Mexico.
In 2020, they returned home to Fort Worth full-time and began attending the FWSO regularly. In 2023, John joined the FWSO Board of Directors, where he served on the Executive and Education committees before being appointed Vice Chairman of the Board in 2026. John and Shay also proudly underwrite Adventures in Music, the symphony’s music education program, which reaches over 40,000 children throughout North Texas each year.
Beyond their commitment to the FWSO, John and Shay support numerous organizations, including Cancer Care Services, Center for Transforming Lives, Community Foundation of North Texas, Cuisine for Healing, and HS2. They consider it a privilege to give back to their community, and we are deeply grateful for their leadership, advocacy, and support of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, which makes our mission possible.