[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 114 (Wednesday, June 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                HONORING THE LIFE OF RODNEY ARDELL WELLS

                                 ______
                                 

                             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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