Samuel "Rev" Ely

Samuel "Rev" Ely

August 12th 1990-December 17th 2021

Samuel Benjamin Julius Ely, aged 31, passed away on December 17th, 2021 in Akron, Ohio. Sam was born on August 12th, 1990 in Cleveland, OH to Lennis Ely and Laura Coleman. He married Heather Ely on June 10th 2016. Sam had one previous marriage. 

Sam was a fierce man– holding fast to his beliefs, defending those he loved, and always seeking to better himself. He was an ordained minister in the Christian faith, and he was the CEO of the nonprofit Building Better Fathers which he founded because of his passion for helping young fathers with similar stories to his own. Sam was a steadfast and loyal friend who could always be counted on in any situation and was always willing to offer wisdom and advice from his life experiences. Sam had 5+ years in addiction recovery and was very active in the recovery community in the Medina county area – guiding others through the process and offering his support. He had grown so much in recent years, and it truly is a tragedy he will not be able to share his gifts with the world any longer. 

He had a deep love for his family and friends from his own wife and children to his large family, to his many friends and acquaintances. Sam had a heart of gold that he opened to everyone he met. He would gladly give the shirt off his back to someone in need. If you needed 5 dollars, Sam would lend you that 5 dollars even if it was the last he had. He always stayed true to himself and stood up for what he believed in and encouraged others to do the same. His faith in God was unfaltering, and he always took every chance he got to teach others of the power of the love of Christ.  He set an example of faith that we all can aspire to. In addition to being a Reverend, Sam was also attending Liberty University for a Bachelor of science in social work. Sam had a passion for fixing vehicles and enjoyed working as a mechanic and was never afraid to toil away and get his hands dirty. In his spare time Sam enjoyed fishing and listening to music. You could always count on him to have the perfect song for every reason or occasion. 

Sam is survived by his wife Heather; daughters, Aurianna and Gracelynn; sons, Drake, Jayce, Samuel Jr, Roy and Daniel; brothers, Michael(Cassidy), Brian(Jessica), Zach(Chelsea), Seth(Shauna), Justin and Kevin; father, Lennis(Sandy); stepmother, Donna Murphy; stepfather, Mike Sherba; as well as many nieces and nephews and many cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother Laura Coleman. Sam touched so many lives and was an amazing husband, father, brother, and son as well as a great friend to all who knew him. He is greatly loved and will be dearly missed. Sam has truly left his mark on the world and all who's lives were touched by him.

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Cox-McNulty Funeral Home, 1376 High St. in Wadsworth.  Burial at Woodlawn Cemetery.  Calling hours will be Tuesday, December 28, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

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