Gary Dale Sellers

Gary Dale Sellers, 84, of Candler, NC passed away peacefully with his family by his side on October 24, 2023 after a long debilitating illness.  He was dearly loved by his family and friends for his gentle, caring, and soft-spoken manner.  Gary was a humble man, valued for his loyalty and faithfulness, as well as a work ethic of honesty, integrity, and devotion. He lived a life of purpose, service, and gratitude for God’s blessings and grace.  He will be deeply missed.

Born September 2, 1939 in Sylva, NC, he was the oldest son of the late William Robert Sellers (Willie) and Fannie Moore Sellers.  After graduation from high school, he served in the US Air Force as a radar operator.  Upon returning home, he received a degree in business from Blanton’s Business College and began his career at CIT Finance Co.

Leaving there, he went to Northwestern Bank and became an assistant vice president.  Wishing to be more active and enjoying cars, led to a long career in the car business.  He worked at various dealerships in and around Asheville being a salesman, a used car manager, and a buyer for the dealerships, and at one time had a car lot of his own.  Gary’s intuition and ability to sense things about people and their surroundings led to what he enjoyed most about his work; getting to know people, understanding their needs, and helping them find the vehicle they wanted.  He retired due to his illness in 2013. 

Because of his love for the outdoors, Gary enjoyed boating, bass and trout fishing, and hunting.  He also enjoyed flying, getting his pilot’s license, and even owning part interest in a small plane.  He was also a referee for high school football and basketball games in the Western North Carolina Region.  He was faithful to his church where he served as deacon and assistant Sunday School Superintendent.  He also helped with youth events and volunteered on various committees.  As a Mason, he was a Past Master of Hominy Lodge #481. He was also a Shriner and a lifetime member of the American Legion.

Left to cherish his wonderful memory are his wife, Peggy Bradley Sellers, of  62 years; two sons and their wives; Reggie (Lisa) and Ronnie (Andrea) both of Candler; three granddaughters, Sara (Glenn) Affleck of Charlotte, Emily (Phillip) Pritchett and Maggie Sellers of Asheville; two great grandchildren, Luke and Allie Affleck; sister, Joy Nell (Robert) Bates of Flowery Brach, GA; brother, Neal (Julie) Sellers of Sylva and beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers and friends who loved and cared for Gary at the North Carolina State Veterans Home and also Four Seasons Hospice for their wonderful care.

A service of celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 30, 2023 at Lake Hills Church with Danny Wilkins officiating.  The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. 

Memorials may be made to Lake Hills Church, 370 Lake Drive, Candler, NC 28715 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

The care of Mr. Sellers has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.