Roy Lawrence Wells

Roy Lawrence Wells, Jr. passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

Known to friends and family as Sonny, he was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, glue guy on the ball field, coach, and role model to all who knew him. He was predeceased by his mother Ruby Hartless Wells, sister, Shirley McCoy, and brother, Donald Wells. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Carolyn Lee Wells (née Windle), brothers, Toby Wells, Edward “Sandy” Wells, and Hilton “Skippy” Wells. He is also survived by his Son, Steven Wells, daughter-in-law, Barbara, and granddaughter, Natalie.

He was a star at Jefferson High School in Roanoke, VA in multiple sports. Sonny played semi-pro baseball in Roanoke and was offered a contract by the Pittsburgh Pirates but chose to stay home and support his mother and family taking a year off from school and returning to graduate.

He served his country honorably by playing baseball on his US Army base team.

Born in Richmond, VA in 1938, he grew up on China Street before moving to Roanoke with his family as a teenager. Upon leaving the service, he returned to Richmond and became the 3rd baseman for the Catlett-Johnson softball team and happened to learn his trade, HVAC Technician at the same time.

He retired from Fort Lee in Virginia and enjoyed his retirement to its fullest, traveling the country and enjoying Bluegrass at the Amelia Campground where he made good friends with all. He loved music and dancing. He loved children and coached youth baseball and football for many years. He made a positive impact on all he met.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food bank, youth organization, domestic violence shelter, or charity that provides opportunities for those who need a little help.

Services will be held at a later date in Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia Court House, VA 23002.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.