Curtis Sells

On October 8, 1929, Curtis Sells, Sr., was born to the late Jacob Sells, Sr., and Mamie Hutton Sells in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Curtis was the oldest of nine children. During his childhood, Curtis loved riding horses and participating in the local rodeo. In 1953, Curtis met the love of his life Benzell (Savage) Sells. The couple was united in holy matrimony on August 4, 1954. In January of 1957, Curtis and Benzell relocated from Oklahoma to Salinas, California. To this union, eight children were born, five boys and three girls. Curtis was a longtime resident of Salinas, CA, for over 60 years. As a young man, Curtis learned the importance of being a loyal and hard worker. He was employed for 19 years at Firestone and later of the American Building of Maintenance in Salinas, CA. In 1980, he became self-employed and was favored with many contracts throughout the Central Coast. Curtis always had a passion for classic cars, particularly his 1935 Chevrolet. His passion and talent for restoring and detailing cars helped to earn him the reputation of being “the finest car detailer” in the Monterey area. His services were sought out by the late Richardson Chevrolet, Bing Crosby, and the Annual Bing Crosby Golf Tournament. In 1982, Curtis Sells, Sr. dedicated his life to the Lord and became a faithful member of Royal Family Church of God in Christ, in Salinas, California, under the leadership of the late Pastor Herman Simpson. While a member at Royal Family, he was appointed to the Deacon Board. He loved his church and was a great supporter of his Pastors: the late Pastor Johnny T. Franklin and Pastor Tharon Franklin. Curtis Sells, Sr. loved and was very proud of the accomplishments of his family. He looked forward to spending time with them on the weekends, taking trips to the beach, traveling out of town to visit family and attending various sporting events. He would often talk about his children and grandchildren to anyone who would listen; captivating the heart of the listener. Curtis Sells, Sr., was a gentle, kindhearted and strong man of God. He would often talk about the goodness of the Lord and how he depended upon God for everything. His faith in the Lord carried him through life ups and downs. He encouraged others to “Take one day at a time; pray; and thank God for their blessings.” His grandchildren loved to spend time with him watching his favorite television shows, getting weekly haircuts, eating Sunday dinner and talking on the phone with their “Papa”. He took time to impart wisdom into their lives. On August 24, 2014, surrounded by his loving family, Curtis Sells, Sr. went home to be with the Lord at the age of 84. He was preceded in death by his parents Jacob Sells, Sr., and Mamie Selmon; wife, Benzell Sells; a son, Lawrence R. Sells, four brothers, Eddie, Willie, Herbert and Jacob Sells; a sister, Delilah Sells Rushling, and a grandson Jeffery Thomas. Curtis Sells, Sr. leaves many family members to cherish his memories: seven children, Georgia Choate of Cheotah, Oklahoma; Curtis E. Sells, Jr., (Maria) of Greenfield, California; Arlene M. Owens (Steven) of Raleigh, North Carolina; Benny L. Sells (Denise) of Los Banos, California; Wendell L. Sells, Sr., (Melissa) of Salinas, California; Theresa L. Washington (Harvey) of Raleigh, North Carolina; Eric A. Sells of Salinas, California; three sisters; Berthenia Moore, Mary Moore and Edna Whatley of Coolidge, Arizona; 20 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; three sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and his wonderful church family, Royal Family Church of God in Christ. Our Dad and Papa, Curtis Sells, Sr., was a wise and loving man with a beautiful spirit. Though gone from our presence, he will never be forgotten and he will be greatly missed. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith.” Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 1-9pm at Healey Mortuary 405 N. Sanborn Rd. Salinas, CA 93905. Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 11am at the Greater Victory Temple 1620 Broadway St. Seaside, CA 93955. Burial to follow services at the Garden of Memories Cemetery 850 Abbott St. Salinas, CA 93901.