Samuel J.R. Wells

Samuel "Sam" J.R. Wells, a cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025. He passed away at home after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family at the age of 36. Born on April 10, 1988, in Bad Axe, Michigan, Sam was the beloved son of Rodney Wells and Wanda (Campbell) Vessella; and step-son of Mark Vessella. His infectious smile and generous spirit will be profoundly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Sam grew up in a close-knit family and was a proud graduate of Marysville High School, class of 2006. After graduation he worked at Pizza Hut and SMR in Marysville. Sam's love for his family was evident in every aspect of his life.
Sam loved sports, including football and golf. He enjoyed the times he spent playing golf and being outdoors. He loved travelling to Las Vegas, Detroit Lions games, and musical festivals with good friends. One of the highlights of the Lions was watching them play in San Francisco during the playoffs, a memory that both father and son held dear.
Samuel is survived by his father, Rodney Wells of Marysville; his mother, Wanda (Mark) Vessella of Kimball Township; his siblings, Nathan Wells of Florida, Stacey (Ben) Witek of Illinois, and Brittney Bressette of Marysville; nieces and nephews, Kaley, Lucille, Joseph, Charles, Summer, and Phoenix; grandmother, Marian Campbell; aunts and uncles, Dennis (Peggy) Campbell, Brenda Campbell, Larraine (John) Maas, Jeff Campbell, Brian Wells, Susan (Greg) Rahn, and Dawn (Greg) Fritz; as well as many dear cousins and friends and his cat, Ferguson.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Floyd and Sharolyn Wells and Davis Campbell; cousin, Alysha Rahn; and his best friend, Scott Reid.
Sam's life was a testament to the power of love, family, and friendship. His ability to light up a room with his presence and to bring laughter and joy to any occasion will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him. As we say goodbye to Samuel "Sam" J.R. Wells, we take comfort in the knowledge that his spirit will live on in the stories we share and the memories we hold close to our hearts.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Grace Memorial Life Celebration Center, 4521 Ravenswood Road, Kimball, MI 48074. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Max Amstutz will officiate.
A livestream of the funeral service can be viewed here: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/samuel-wells-funeral-service To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Samuel J.R. Wells, please visit our Tree Store.