Robert L. Sellers, Jr.
April 19, 1928 – September 1, 2017
Robert Leon Sellers, Jr., loving father, grandfather and great grandfather and devoted friend died at the age of 89 September 1, 2017. A resident of Magnolia Place, Cairo, Georgia, was born April 19, 1928, in Troy, Alabama. His parents were Vivian Glausier Sellers of Baconton, Georgia, and Robert Leon Sellers, Sr. of Troy, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Helen Beall Sellers in 1992 and Mary Ann Pittman Sellers in 2005. He is survived by his three daughters; Bett Ferrell (Monty) of Cairo, Georgia, Becky Tate (Jim) of Mobile, Alabama, Janet Liles (Clarke) of Thomasville, Georgia; and his sister Dorothy Sellers Howard of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He treasured his five grandchildren, Cres Ferrell (Nikki) of Johns Creek, Georgia, Zach Ferrell of Lynn Haven, Florida, Ginny Holliman of Birmingham, Alabama, Leigh Misso (Kevin) of Birmingham, Alabama, Sarah Frances Liles of Thomasville, Georgia and three great grandchildren, Charlotte, Lane and Lucy Ferrell of Johns Creek, Georgia. Robert loved and appreciated his caretaker/companion, Jim Davenport of Cairo, Georgia.
Robert graduated from Troy High School in 1945 and Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) in 1949 where he received a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Administration. At Auburn, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the Auburn University marching band. Following graduation, he was commissioned as First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force where he served from 1951 to 1953 at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He was recruited by VC Chemical Company to Cairo, Georgia in 1953. In 1956, he joined Graco Fertilizer Company and he and his partner formed Graco Supply Company. While at Graco, he and his partner were instrumental in helping develop Chem-Nut Cooperative, an independent agri business purchasing group. He helped incorporate Big Bend Agri-Services, Inc. in 1978 and developed Big Bend Supply Co. in 1979. His love for land as a developer and forester rewarded him as a recipient of the environmental Helene Mosley Treasure Forest Award for the State of Alabama.
As a member of First United Methodist Church of Cairo for sixty-four years he served in multiple leadership positions. Robert was a long-time member and served as President of the Cairo Rotary Club. Being a civic leader, he was involved in community affairs and politics which led to the betterment of Grady County. He was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman.
“Mr. Robert” was most proud of his family. As an enduring friend, he touched many lives of all ages and made those around him better. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 3, 2017, at First United Methodist Church, Cairo, Georgia, at 3:00 p.m. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall at 2:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Sellers’ memory to: First United Methodist Church, 318 South Broad Street, Cairo, Georgia, 39828.
