Robert Lincoln Wells Sr.

Around noon on July 3rd, 2016, Bob passed away of natural causes while on hospice. He was 92 years old. Bob was born on December 10, 1923 to Riley and Mary Wells. He grew up in a large family with 14 brothers and sisters.

When asked about his lifetime of careers, Bob was quick to name off the three areas that meant the most to him: the Navy, the Birmingham Fire and Rescue, and the Birmingham Football Officials Association. At the age of 17, Bob joined the United States Navy as the youngest in his unit. He traveled the world and experiences many adventures in his 34 years with the Navy, eventually serving as the Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman. He received the Naval Reserve Meritorious, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal for his years of service and leadership. After joining the Navy Reserve in 1947, Bob began his career as a Birmingham firefighter at Station #6. During his tenure with Birmingham Fire and Rescue, he held many positions such as Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief, but none were more indicative of who Bob was then his last post of Assistant Chief. After leading and inspiring numerous firefighters and courageously saving countless lives, Bob retired after 46 years of service. Last but definitely not least, Bob spent his remaining years as a referee with the Birmingham Football Officials Association (BFOA). Every week, he would don his iconic white cap and take to the field, inspiring a new generation with his even-handed outlook and noble generosity. In 2006, Bob received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the BFOA in appreciation for his everlasting hard work and dedication.

While tirelessly working in these fields, Bob balanced his time at home as a loving husband and father. On June 21, 1949, he married the love of his life, Verlee Andrews, and adopted his first two children, Jimmy and Ronny. Soon after, two more sons, Bobby and Randy, and a daughter, Judy, were added to the happy family. When asked about Bob as a father, the words “stern, but fair”, “a loving provider”, and “the most hard-working man” seemed to come up the most. In the family, Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife, Verlee, his son, Jimmy, 12 of his siblings, his father, Riley, and his mother, Mary. He is survived by his sons, Ronny, Bobby, and Randy, his daughter, Judy, his brothers, Jimmy and Wayne, and a veritable horde of loving grandchildren. Furthermore, his legacy will continue to live on through the numerous lives he touched during his 92 years.

Services will be held at Kilgroe Funeral Home, 1750 Ashville Road, Leeds, AL 35094 on Saturday, July 9th, 2016. The family viewing will be from 9:00am to 9:30am followed by the public viewing from 9:30am to 11:00am. The funeral will start at 11:00am. All attendees are encouraged to share a story about Chief Wells during the service if they would like. The grave site is located at Forest Crest Cemetery, 5730 US 78, Birmingham, AL 35210.

One final note from this writer: Robert “Chief” Wells was one of the finest men I have ever and probably will ever meet. He spent his entire life selflessly working to care for others. We are all better people having known him. So, thank you, Bendaddy - we will love and miss you for the rest of our days.

Visit online at www.kilgroefuneralhome.com

Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds directing.