Friends remember Sellers

If you ever sat under Loy Sellers instruction, you remember his lively banter. He truly made learning fun. A lifetime educator, he was a jovial, quick-witted wisecracker who lit up any room that he entered. 

The Randolph County Schools retiree passed away Thursday evening at the age of 77. Originally from Fallston in Cleveland County, he met Pam, his wife of 55 years, while they were college students at Appalachian State University in Boone. After graduation, they married and Loy relocated to Asheboro where he began his teaching career that spanned 32 years.

Starting at Seagrove School teaching eighth and ninth grade math, science, and health classes, he earned a master’s degree and spent the remainder of his professional career as a guidance counselor. For almost three decades, he worked with students at Brower, Farmer, Coleridge, and Gray’s Chapel Elementary Schools.

Barry Cole, who taught alongside Sellers at Seagrove, stated. “I met Loy in August 1971 and we had an immediate friendship that continued until today. He had an excellent rapport with all his students. The faculty felt the same way. He was a delight to be with. I enjoyed knowing Loy Sellers.”

Asheboro attorney Charles Browne shared a similar memory. “We began our teaching careers together. He was an educator with a heart who kept his students’ welfare as his main priority.”

Sellers was also a lover and collector of pottery.

Potter Sid Luck reflected on his fallen friend. “We worked several years on a committee for the Catawba Valley Pottery Festival. We always rode together to meetings. He was always a riot and raised my spirits. There never was a dull moment. I’m going to miss him terribly.”

Sellers was active socially. He loved music and was a regular at the bluegrass Friday night shows at Sunset Theatre. He also enjoyed eating out with various groups of friends at local restaurants. He also enjoyed treasure hunting in antique and thrift stores.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and three grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday night, 6-8 pm, at Pugh Funeral Home. His funeral will be held Saturday, 11 am, at First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to his church or Hospice of Randolph County.

OBITUARY FOR LOY SELLERS

Loy Furman Sellers, age 77, passed away Oct. 27, 2022, at Randolph Hospice House.

Loy was born in Fallston, NC, to Furman and Stella Sellers on June 13, 1945. He graduated from Appalachian State Teacher’s College in 1967. He also earned two Master’s degrees from UNCG. 

Loy was a teacher and guidance counselor for 32 years in schools across Randolph County. He was known for his ability to make people laugh. He loved his fellow educators, his students and friends. His greatest pleasure was making others feel good and giving them happy memories. 

Loy loved his family. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Brenda Roberts and Jeanette Raines.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Pamela Dildy Sellers; his daughters, Melanie Nixon (Brandon) and Ashley Dempsey; his grandchildren, Mariann Nixon, Parker and Emma Dempsey; and a niece, Tracey Roberts.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, from 6-8 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Ave., Asheboro.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Lynda Ferguson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church, 224 N. Fayetteville Street, Asheboro, 27203, or Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, 27203.