Harold Leon “Big Butch Wimberly, 81, of Cleveland, Ohio passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. He is lovingly remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

Harold was preceded in death by his father Joesph Wimberly, in, 1946, his mother Rosella Smith-Thomas, in 1977, and his cherished granddaughter, Kandice Wimberly, who departed earlier this year on January 1, 2025

Butch lived a life rooted in service, sportsmanship, and community. He graduated from John Hay High School and later attended Virginia Union University. He was a proud Mason and U.S Airforce Veteran, Butch was always driven by purpose.

Butch’s professional legacy includes his impactful tenure as Director of Recreation for the Salvation Army, where he founded the first youth basketball summer league. His visionary leadership helped countless young men gain exposure to college scouts across the nation, changing lives far beyond the court.

An exceptional athlete, Butch was drafted by the Chicago Bulls and played semi-pro basketball with Greater Cleveland. He later became a professional bowler and, in his later years, found deep joy in the game of golf. His passion for sports was matched only by his commitment to helping others grow—on the field and in life.

He is survived by his son, Harold Jr., and daughter-in-law Angela Wimberly; grandchildren Brittney and Kayla; and great-grandchildren Dante, Ariyana, Aniyah, Jace, Aaliyah, Amaya, and Akiyah. He also leaves behind his sister, Karen McNeal (Simon); nieces Darlene Gordon (Michael) and Amber McNeal; and great-nieces and nephews Kennedi and Michael Gordon, and Alyse and AJ Harris.

A celebration of Butch’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on July 15 at Calhoun Funeral Home, 23000 Rockside Road, Bedford Heights, OH 44146. Friends and family are warmly invited to attend and share memories of this remarkable man whose legacy lives on in every life he touched.