William Sells

Rick passed away early Friday morning in the arms of his beloved wife, Mary, his wife of almost 33 years. His hard-fought and long journey with cancer was finally over as he entered the more immediate presence of his Lord and Savior. Rick was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, the first child of William Henry Sells and Virginia Lois Edwards Sells.  Rick will be remembered for his positive attitude, sense of humor, deep faith and most of all, the love he had for his family. At his High School graduation, Rick spoke on faith. This faith began at Knob Creek Church of the Brethren in Johnson City, Tennessee and continued at Clemmons Moravian Church where he served on the Board of Trustees, as a lovefeast diener, usher and greeter, and was a member of Men's Fellowship. Before his death Rick wrote: "My faith has always been very deep throughout my life and has sustained me through all my trials, tribulations and accomplishments."


Rick studied pre-med at East Tennessee State University where his career was interrupted by the draft into the US Army.  He later continued his education at Forsyth Technical Community College where he received his AB in Applied Sciences.  Rick later received his MBA from Wake Forest University Babcock Graduate School of Management.  Rick was a respiratory therapist and Director of Respiratory Care Services at North Carolina Baptist Hospital for almost 39 years.  He received many awards and honors during his career, serving on state and local respiratory care boards, serving as President of the NCSRC, a volunteer for the North Western division of the Lung Association, as well as a Chamber of Commerce recruiter.


During his years at Baptist, Rick developed life-long friendships with colleagues he felt were truly another dear family. Until his death, he met with many of these friends for breakfast and lunch.  The Feedbag restaurant became their special place to go for catching up and remembering the "good ‘ole days" at Baptist. Rick also loved anything outdoors, watching sports, studying genealogy, fly fishing and skeet shooting. He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Lois Edwards Sells, and his late wife, Becky Lowe Sells. He is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Barnes Sells, his daughters Ashley Elizabeth and Kathryn (Katie) Marie and his son William Christopher.  Also surviving are his father, William Henry Sells, brother Keith Homer Sells (Vicki), and his sister Rita Marie Sells. In addition, Rick leaves behind his brother-in-law, Carl Jonathan Barnes and wife, Kathryn, sister-in-law, Laura Barnes Hayworth and husband Tony, and sister-in-law, Doris Melanie Barnes-Hicks. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, all of whom he loved very much. The family would like to thank his special "Football Family" for their support and friendship over the years and the members of Clemmons Moravian Church, especially the band.  Special thanks to the Farmington EMS and Fire Volunteers and the staff at Botangus Gardens.  The family thanks the Emergency staff at Davie Medical for their wonderful care. Our appreciation also goes to WFBH radiology and oncology teams and the 6th floor Cancer Center staff, who took such loving care of Rick during his numerous hospital stays in the last year.  Many thanks to Dr. Rhonda Bitting. Dr. Bart Frizzell and the best PCP anyone could ever have, Dr. Francis X. O'Brien. The family would also like to thank Rick's secretary of 23 years, Mendy Bates, affectionately known as his work wife, and Forsyth/Davie Hospice Services. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Clemmons Moravian Church with The Right Rev. Graham Rights officiating. Interment will follow in the church graveyard. The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. Monday, February 5, 2018, at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel. Memorials can be made to Clemmons Moravian Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 730, Clemmons, NC 27012.

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