Harvey Lee Wells

Harvey Lee Wells, 79, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday December 26, 2024. Harvey was born in Louisville, Mississippi on October 31, 1945. He was the youngest child of four born to Sam and Ruby Wells. At age 10, his parents moved their family to Ashtabula, Ohio, where Harvey began attending school in the fourth grade.

Harvey had a passion for playing baseball and was excellent at it. He played for the Ashtabula Little League and was a strong contributor to his high school team when they played in the state championship in Ohio. As a young adult he continued playing for the Ashtabula Rubber Company and was known for pitching no hitters. He was even scouted to play professionally for the Cleveland Indians and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Throughout his adulthood he broke down racial barriers as one of a few Black umpires working local, regional, and state tournament softball and baseball team games. Some highlights include umpiring baseball games at Jacob’s Field in Cleveland OH, for theCleveland Indians, the Northeastern Ohio Baseball Coaches Association High School All-Star gameand the AAU Junior Olympics, and at the Klawgo Klacon Classic at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh PA.

He was a hard worker who believed in earning an honest living to provide for his family. In addition to working part time as an umpire during baseball season, Harvey worked full time year-round for various employers including Ashtabula Bow Socket, Union Carbide Linde Gas, and The Flying J. Harvey was a member of the Peoples Missionary Baptist Church for more than 50 years. Hebecame a Christian as a young adult, faithfully served as a Deacon and Trustee for more than 25 years and enjoyed singing in the Brotherhood Chorus. He was always willing to serve the Lord by helping others, both in and outside of the physical church.

Harvey’s hobbies included bowling in a weekly men's league at ABC Lanes, riding bikes with his daughters, and going fishing for catfish. He also enjoyed listening to gospel quartet and R&B music.Some of his favorite artists were The Highway QCs, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, The Canton Spirituals, Booker T and the MG's, Jr. Walker and the All Stars, Wilson Pickett, and all the legendary Motown catalogue of singers but especially Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.

He was a God fearing, law abiding, friendly, compassionate, honorable, and humble man of strong convictions. He was well known throughout his hometown city and neighboring communities and enjoyed talking with people wherever he encountered them. He was also a faithful and loving husband and father dedicated to God, his family, church, and community.

In 2009, Harvey suffered a devastating depressed skull fracture while umpiring a game. He successfully recovered from that injury and after more than 50 years of living in Ashtabula, OH, he and his wife moved to Akron, OH in 2013. During the early hours of December 26, he passed away peacefully from complications of dementia and pneumonia, with his wife by his side.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Regina, daughters Rita Gorder (Nathan), and Tamaria Stevens (Kevin), granddaughter Ariana Karim (Terrez), bonus grandson Johnathon Stevens, great-grandchildren Terrez Jr., Kylee, and Taylor Karim, sisters Erma Wells Carlton (Clarence) and Ruby Wells Davis, Godchildren: Christel Dismuke, Phlenoid Dismuke, Jr.(deceased), Shondel Sargent, Jennifer Benton, and Joshua Jones, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and longtime friends and associates. He is preceded in death by his father Sam Wells Sr., his mother Ruby Gladney Wells, and brother Rev. Dr. Sam Wells Jr.

His homegoing funeral services will be held on Saturday January 4th at the Wilkinson Funeral Home, 1158 S Arlington St in Akron OH. The calling hour is from 2pm – 3pm with final tribute services beginning at 3pm. Live streaming will be available on the funeral home’s Facebook page and website. The family plans to hold a memorial service for him in Ashtabula OH in the spring of 2025. Condolences can be mailed to: Regina Wells, C/O Tamaria Stevens, 905 Sarcee Ave, Akron, Ohio 44305.