Arthur Lee Wells' Obituary
Beloved, honored, and legendary Arthur Lee Wells passed away peacefully at his home on October 8, 2025, after courageously battling long-term illnesses. Known affectionately by many as “Chicken Wayne” and “King Arthur,” he was born on February 1, 1963, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to the late Willie Lee Wells and Matthew Woodley. He was raised in Mansfield, Louisiana, where his faith, strength, and love for family and football began to shine. Arthur moved to Dallas, Texas in 1990 where he resided for the remainder of his life.
Arthur was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 38 years and high school sweetheart of 44 years, Sonya J. Wells; three daughters, Ebony Wells- Taylor (Aundrelle Taylor), Whitney Wells, and Allegra Wells; seven cherished grandchildren, Jasmine, Paris, Noble, Ayden, Jaylin, Ambreya and Brooklynn; and one precious great-granddaughter, Jamayah.
He is also survived by his sisters, Willie Clara Wilson (Billy Wilson, Sr) and Antoinette Polley (John Polley), along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his two siblings Gladys Peoples, and his brother Cleve Ernest Peoples.
Arthur was known for his kind heart, humor, and generous spirit. He faithfully supported his wife in ministry and served diligently in the Helps Ministry at church. One of his greatest passions was feeding the homeless—he would pack lunches and take his daughters and son-in-law with him to serve those in need, showing by example what it meant to live with compassion and purpose. Another thing that was resounding with him is that he was very close to his mother, they spoke almost daily, constantly checking in with her to just chit-chat.
Arthur’s athletic legacy began in high school, where childhood friends affectionately called him “Chicken Wayne.” A standout All-American and Blue-Chip wide receiver at Mansfield High School, he was highly recruited by multiple Division I colleges and chose to play under the legendary Coach Eddie Robinson at Grambling State University as a standout tight end.
During his years at Grambling, Arthur made history—scoring the first touchdown that helped Coach Robinson surpass Bear Bryant’s record, becoming the winningest college football coach in history at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, in October 1985.
Arthur was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 1987, later playing for the San Francisco 49ers and scoring his first NFL touchdown with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After his football career, he began a successful career at the Boeing Defense Facility, where he dedicated 21 years of service until his passing.
Arthur will be remembered as a kindhearted, proud, and family-centered man whose laughter, generosity, and love for God touched everyone he encountered. His legacy of faith, love, and perseverance will live on through his family and all who were blessed to know him.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” — Matthew 25:23
The visitation will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Restland Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will then be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 10:00 am in the Memorial Chapel of Restland Funeral Home, followed by a reception in Restland's Event Center.
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