The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF RODNEY ARDELL WELLS
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HON. JIM COSTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Rodney Ardell Wells. Rodney passed away on December 8, 2020. Rodney was a veteran of the United States Navy, a father, grandfather, friend, and a husband to his best friend, Sherril.
Rodney was born on July 26, 1955 in Topeka, Kansas and was raised in Compton, California. As he got older, Rodney had the urge to serve the United States Navy. From 1973 to 2003, Rodney served active duty for more than 20 of those years, at sea.
After serving in the Navy 12 years as Command Master Chief on the USS Shiloh, USS Pearl Harbor, and Chief of the Boat on the USS Pogy, Rodney attended college. He graduated with a degree in Mechanized Agriculture and a B.S. in psychology from Reedley College.
Rodney worked at the Veterans Affairs Central California Health Care System in Fresno, California as a Boiler Plant Operator. Rodney was liked by all of the people he had the pleasure of meeting. He was a leader, wise, and a caring individual who was ready to help. Rodney continued his giving back to the community through helping other veterans like himself at the hospital, but as well as helped to grow food.
When he was not working at the hospital, Rodney would grow seasonal varieties of fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Rancho de Rodney founded in 2009, grew heirloom and cherry tomatoes, hot and sweet peppers, carrots, thyme, sage, radishes, and more. In 2014 Rancho de Rodney was certified as organic by the CCOF. He participated in farmers' markets at Fresno Kaiser, True Value Hardware in Oakhurst and the Peddler's Corner in Coarsegold.
As time went on, Rodney changed focus. They were growing food not to sell, but for donation. A disabled veteran owned business, Rodney and his wife Sherril moved towards a non-profit status. Their love for their community and those in need were evident. They were known to help St. Benedict Catholic Worker on distributing their fresh produce to families and individuals. Rodney was also involved with African American Farmers of California headquartered in Fresno. Before his passing, Rodney spent his last Saturday with his fellow veterans at the African American Farmers of California demonstration site working on the vegetables he grew for the Catholic Worker.
Rodney was a proud descendent of members of the Civil War's U.S. Colored Troops and the Cherokee Freedom. He was a friend to many in his life and evolved his passion to giving back to others with his wife by his side.
He is survived by his wife, Sherril, sister Deborah, daughter Charletha Harris, grandchildren and greatgranddaughter.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Rodney Ardell Wells. His service and contributions to the nations and State of California will be missed. I join his family and friends in celebrating Rodney's life.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 114
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