Celebrating the life of
Charles E. Sellers
July 02, 1951 - February 05, 2013
Commander Charles "Chuck" Edgar Sellers, USN retired
Following a long fight with cancer, Commander Charles Edgar Sellers Chuck, USN retired, died February 5, 2013, at home in Columbia, Maryland, with his wife Beth by his side.
Chuck was born to Edgar Elzie Sellers and Anna Meta Anderson Sellers in Franklin, North Carolina on July 2, 1951. He spent his formative years in Savannah, Georgia, where he attended and graduated from Savannah Country Day School. Chuck's unique Naval Academy experience was completed with him as a member of the classes of '73 and of '75, with a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography and a commission of Ensign in the US Navy.
Upon graduation in 1975, Chuck earned his surface warfare designation, serving on the USS Illusive MSO 448, Plank Owner on the commissioning crew of the USS Moosbrugger DD 980, and serving on the USS Jonas Ingram DD 938. At this point, Chuck shifted designators to become a Navy oceanographer, and he attended and graduated from The Naval PostGraduate School with a Masters of Science in Air Ocean Sciences. His service as a Navy meteorologist was highlighted with tours with Commander US Naval Forces Europe in London to the Naval Oceanographic Command at Stennis Space Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Throughout his various tours, Chuck's main focus has been improving those around him.
After retiring after twenty-two years of active service, Chuck became a program manager, helping to build new classes of Navy ships, first on the Gulf Coast, and later, in the DC area, helping build the USS San Antonio LPD-17, USS Zumwalt DDG 1000, and the USS Freedom LCS 1.
While his work focus has been the US Navy, Chuck, with his wife Beth, have raised three children of whom they are very proud. Chuck was the dad who volunteered to do anything that supported his kids.
Chuck was predeceased by his father, Edgar E. Sellers, and one son, Chisholm Solana Sellers. He is survived by his mother, Anne Sellers, his wife, Elizabeth Beth Weeks Sellers, and his children, Charles Doty Jennifer of Columbia, Maryland, Elizabeth Anne of Arlington, Virginia, and Caroline Elise of Columbia, Maryland, as well as his two granddaughters, Molly Anne Sellers and Leah Rose Sellers.
Chuck was one of the most positive people you could find. He had the ability to touch everyone and leave them happier and upbeat as well. All who knew Chuck are better off, and his impact on the world will continue to be felt through all of those he touched.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 8, 2013 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church.
Burial will be in the Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Chuck to Savannah Country Day School for the Edgar E. Sellers Scholarship Fund, 824 Stillwood Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31419-2643.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Beth- I am so sorry to hear about Chuck. He was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. Cindy died of leukemia in 2009 and I can certainly understand the loss you feel. I will keep you in prayer. Steve Kelly
- Steve Kelly, Forest, VA
I was so sorry to hear about Chuck. You are in our prayers Mrs. Sellers. I hope Mom and he are having tea together. Much Love Lisle Engle and Family
- Lisle, Los Angeles, CA
Chuck and I entered the Naval Academy together in 1973; both from Savannah. I remember that he was proud of having played football at Country Day. He persevered at the Academy. My condolences to his family.
- Don Price, Boulder, CO
To the Sellers Family... Rich and I met Chuck only a couple of times in the mountains by his Mother and thought he was quite an outstanding person. He left his family much to soon, but had many wonderful accomplishments that his loved ones can reflect on. May God Bless Chuck and all the Sellers family. Love and Prayers. Donna and Rich
- Donna Jacques, Marietta, GA
Anne, we are thinking of you. We will call when we return Catherine and Ron
- Catherine Fagin, , GA
I grieve for his mother Anne and all the family.Do know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Elaine B Rosengart, Savannah, GA
Ann , I'm so sorry it must be hard to bury a child,even an adult child-he sounds as if he was a wonderful person
- Mary Olsen Ragsdale, Savannah, GA
Dear Mrs. Sellers, Beth and family, I wanted to express my condolances to you all. Mrs. Sellers, you taught me to read and I became a reading teacher for students with special needs. Thank you so much. I feel that Chuck and I were in tha same fraternity of children of faculty members. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. I was out of town and could not attend the services, but my thoughts were with your entire family. Kay Garlington SCDS 1070
- Kay Garlington, Tybee Island, GA
Beth, kids and the Sellers family, My first encounter with Chuck was as a member of USNA Class of '76. Chuck was one of the ' Class of '75 fun bunch' in 29th Company. Never a dull moment with Chuck around, but always positive and could he boot a soccer ball! Our paths crossed again as we both served as plankowners onboard USS Moosbrugger DD-980. Always professional, Chuck could always be counted upon to be the voice of reason in the most difficult of circumstances. I like to think that I adopted some of Chuck's leadership traits that served me well in later years. I am sure he was a great father to his children. He will be missed. Fair winds and following seas, Shipmate! My heart felt condolences to Beth, kids and the Sellers family. Pete Cindy Miller Jacksonville, FL
- Pete Miller, Jacksonville, FL
Dear Family, I endorse the words of those already written...Chuck was a great friend, a positive guy who was kind & good to all of us. I was blessed to have had him in my life. Barbara
- Barbara Beckmann Bentley, Ellison Bay, WI
Beth, We were truly saddended to learn about Chuck and are truly sorry for your loss and ours. Chuck was a great guy and a great friend. We are really sorry we couldn't get to Savannah for the funeral, but be assured you are in our thoughts and prayers. If you ever need us we are here. Bob and Peggy Kuppers
- Bob Kuppers, Franklin, NC
Anne, I was so saddened to hear of the death of your son. Monica McGoldrick was in his class. I had dinner with her last night & Janet &Charlie Barrow. They were all so sorry, too. Losing one's child has got to be the worst burden to bear. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family in this dreadful time of grief. Lots of love, JoAnn Risher
- JoAnn Risher, Savannah, GA
Chuck, you will be missed.
- Jim Emery USNA 75, Burke, VA
I never actually met Chuck, but through Anne's stories and anecdotes I feel as though I knew him and have been saddened, but uplifted, by his valiant battle and that of his wonderful family. My heart and sympathy go out to you all. Love you, Anne Emilie
- Emilie Stoddart, Ipswich, MA
Anne: Just wanted to send you this short note to let you know that you are always in my thoughts & in my prayers every day & especially during this difficult time. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS & KEEP YOU IN HIS LOVING CARE & ESPECIALLY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. I wanted to let you know that I am thankful that Chuck is not suffering anymore & that he is resting safely in the arms of his LORD & SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. LOVE IN CHRIST, JEAN LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!
- Jean Shearouse, Asheville,, NC
First of all, our condoleances and sympathy for the Commander's family. Chuck was a fellow that we were all grateful to have known and served with. Maryvonne and Brian Curdy U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1975 Uvrier, Switzerland
- Brian E. Curdy, ,
Anne, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
- Kate Kruse, Richmond Hill, GA
Chuck will be fondly remembered by all of his Classmates in the USNA Class of 1975. Rest in peace, Compadre.
- Craig Quigley, Virginia Beach, VA
Chuck, you will be missed. Your great sense of humor was a part of you that we will always remember. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family at this time.
- JJ Cuff, Jr., Sanford, NC
Dear Beth and family, I have just looked through our senior year album, 1969, at SCDS. Chuck is wearing #75 jersey in football and sitting front row, center looking proud and happy. He wrote to me as follows: 'The thing I remember most and hope you will too is the state tennis tournament. We really had a ball up there. I hope we can see each other up at college because you won't be too far from me. Chuck' You should be proud, too of all that Chuck accomplished in his Navy career, as a father and husband, and in his community. Love, Alice Fraser
- alice fraser, Bluffton, SC
21-gun salute from a fellow Oceanographer. Fond memories from the Naval Academy days and the weather business. Chuck was always an upbeat and fun guy to be around. Our prayers are with him and his family.
- Wynn Calland, Columbus, MS
Beth and Family, So sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. Although I did not know him well I remember his great sense of humor, which was important in meeting the challenges of the Naval Academy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Carl Klee, Gaithersburg, MD
As a fellow USNA '75 Classmate of Chuck's, my families' prayers go out to those that Chuck loved. He was a great Shipmate and devoted patriot. God Bless
- Gary Jones, Va Beach, VA
Dear Anne, Beth, and family, We are so saddened with you in your loss.Though we didn't see him often because he was so busy, he has been so much a part of our lives through you.Chuck was a great man and we were always so proud of him. Our love and prayers go out to you. Bettye and Gloria
- Gloria Stover, Columbus, GA
Beth, We were saddened to learn of Chuck's passing. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
- Tom and Cherylyn Brubaker, Brunswick, ME
I'd like to express deepest sympathies to Beth and all of Chuck's extended family.We had lost touch over the years since high school but the fond memories of Chuck and his parents remain and they are cherished. John
- John Lee, Decatur, GA
Beth, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
- Charlene Embrey Burns, EAU CLAIRE, WI
Mrs. Sellers, Beth, and children. Please accept my condolences on the loss of Chuck. I worked with Chuck these past 6 years and it was an honor and privilege to be his coworker and friend. A gentleman of the highest order, he always had something nice to say about everyone and his everyday focus was mentoring the crew around him. I consider myself fortunate to have known him and want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Lloyd
- Lloyd Swift, Washington, DC
One of my favorite books begins with words something like this: 'There is no wall or hedge around the time that has past. You can go back and have what you like, if you can remember. So I can close my on eyes on things as they are and they are gone and I see things as they were when.' I've spent the last few minutes with my eyes closed and remember joyfully the man, Chuck Sellers.
- Pat Templeton, Manassas, VA
My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family! May God keep you close in His arms and comfort you as you move through this most difficult time. Chuck was a wonderful man and an amazing boss! I worked with for 3 years on the LPD program at NGSS. I still remember him always wearing his sweater-vests and said he wanted people to remember him and they would always think of 'that guy who wore the sweater vests everyday!' LOL! He was always smiling too and had such a positive attitude about everything. No matter what was placed in front of him, he saw the best in every situation and person! He was so very proud of his family and children! He will be greatly missed by so many.
- Kim Darcourt Manzanares, Slidell, LA
I offer my most sincere condolences to the Sellers family and friends during this difficult time. There are so very many Navy service members, both in uniform and in civil service, past and present, who are grateful for Chuck’s long, dedicated and successful career. I stand among them and am truly grateful for all Chuck has done for our current and future ships. His efforts contributed to a Navy Fleet legacy that will endure for decades to come. Fair winds and following seas to a great Navy man.
- Chris Mercer, CAPT, USN, Washington, DC
God bless you, Chuck, for the lives you've touched, the love you've shared and the faith you've lived. You and your family are in our prayers.
- Robert J. Giuda '75, Warren, NH
Chuck, as a compatriot, a member of USNA Class of '75, I wish you fair winds, following seas and a rising barometer. And I wish the same to your family. I salute you Sir. Brent Wham
- Brent Wham, Paoli, PA
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Chuck’s immediate and extended family. To me, Chuck was a good friend, a wonderful co-worker, and a delightful lunch companion. I will dearly miss him.
- Lon Webb, Mandeville, LA
To the family of Chuck E. Sellers: Just wanted to send you all this short note to let you all know that you all are always in my thoughts & in my prayers every day & especially during this difficult time. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS & KEEP YOU ALL IN HIS LOVING CARE & ESPECIALLY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. LOVE IN CHRIST, JEAN SHEAROUSE LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH!
- Jean Shearouse, Asheville, NC
My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. Chuck was a wonderful neighbor and friend. I will cherish my memories of my across the street friend.
- Nancy McIntosh, Slidell, LA
Beth- I am so sorry to hear about Chuck. He was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. Cindy died of leukemia in 2009 and I can certainly understand the loss you feel. I will keep you in prayer. Steve Kelly
- Steve Kelly, Forest, VA
I was so sorry to hear about Chuck. You are in our prayers Mrs. Sellers. I hope Mom and he are having tea together. Much Love Lisle Engle and Family
- Lisle, Los Angeles, CA
Chuck and I entered the Naval Academy together in 1973; both from Savannah. I remember that he was proud of having played football at Country Day. He persevered at the Academy. My condolences to his family.
- Don Price, Boulder, CO
To the Sellers Family... Rich and I met Chuck only a couple of times in the mountains by his Mother and thought he was quite an outstanding person. He left his family much to soon, but had many wonderful accomplishments that his loved ones can reflect on. May God Bless Chuck and all the Sellers family. Love and Prayers. Donna and Rich
- Donna Jacques, Marietta, GA
Anne, we are thinking of you. We will call when we return Catherine and Ron
- Catherine Fagin, , GA
I grieve for his mother Anne and all the family.Do know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Elaine B Rosengart, Savannah, GA
Ann , I'm so sorry it must be hard to bury a child,even an adult child-he sounds as if he was a wonderful person
- Mary Olsen Ragsdale, Savannah, GA
Dear Mrs. Sellers, Beth and family, I wanted to express my condolances to you all. Mrs. Sellers, you taught me to read and I became a reading teacher for students with special needs. Thank you so much. I feel that Chuck and I were in tha same fraternity of children of faculty members. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. I was out of town and could not attend the services, but my thoughts were with your entire family. Kay Garlington SCDS 1070
- Kay Garlington, Tybee Island, GA
Beth, kids and the Sellers family, My first encounter with Chuck was as a member of USNA Class of '76. Chuck was one of the ' Class of '75 fun bunch' in 29th Company. Never a dull moment with Chuck around, but always positive and could he boot a soccer ball! Our paths crossed again as we both served as plankowners onboard USS Moosbrugger DD-980. Always professional, Chuck could always be counted upon to be the voice of reason in the most difficult of circumstances. I like to think that I adopted some of Chuck's leadership traits that served me well in later years. I am sure he was a great father to his children. He will be missed. Fair winds and following seas, Shipmate! My heart felt condolences to Beth, kids and the Sellers family. Pete Cindy Miller Jacksonville, FL
- Pete Miller, Jacksonville, FL
Dear Family, I endorse the words of those already written...Chuck was a great friend, a positive guy who was kind & good to all of us. I was blessed to have had him in my life. Barbara
- Barbara Beckmann Bentley, Ellison Bay, WI
Beth, We were truly saddended to learn about Chuck and are truly sorry for your loss and ours. Chuck was a great guy and a great friend. We are really sorry we couldn't get to Savannah for the funeral, but be assured you are in our thoughts and prayers. If you ever need us we are here. Bob and Peggy Kuppers
- Bob Kuppers, Franklin, NC
Anne, I was so saddened to hear of the death of your son. Monica McGoldrick was in his class. I had dinner with her last night & Janet &Charlie Barrow. They were all so sorry, too. Losing one's child has got to be the worst burden to bear. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family in this dreadful time of grief. Lots of love, JoAnn Risher
- JoAnn Risher, Savannah, GA
Chuck, you will be missed.
- Jim Emery USNA 75, Burke, VA
I never actually met Chuck, but through Anne's stories and anecdotes I feel as though I knew him and have been saddened, but uplifted, by his valiant battle and that of his wonderful family. My heart and sympathy go out to you all. Love you, Anne Emilie
- Emilie Stoddart, Ipswich, MA
Anne: Just wanted to send you this short note to let you know that you are always in my thoughts & in my prayers every day & especially during this difficult time. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS & KEEP YOU IN HIS LOVING CARE & ESPECIALLY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. I wanted to let you know that I am thankful that Chuck is not suffering anymore & that he is resting safely in the arms of his LORD & SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. LOVE IN CHRIST, JEAN LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!
- Jean Shearouse, Asheville,, NC
First of all, our condoleances and sympathy for the Commander's family. Chuck was a fellow that we were all grateful to have known and served with. Maryvonne and Brian Curdy U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1975 Uvrier, Switzerland
- Brian E. Curdy, ,
Anne, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
- Kate Kruse, Richmond Hill, GA
Chuck will be fondly remembered by all of his Classmates in the USNA Class of 1975. Rest in peace, Compadre.
- Craig Quigley, Virginia Beach, VA
Chuck, you will be missed. Your great sense of humor was a part of you that we will always remember. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family at this time.
- JJ Cuff, Jr., Sanford, NC
Dear Beth and family, I have just looked through our senior year album, 1969, at SCDS. Chuck is wearing #75 jersey in football and sitting front row, center looking proud and happy. He wrote to me as follows: 'The thing I remember most and hope you will too is the state tennis tournament. We really had a ball up there. I hope we can see each other up at college because you won't be too far from me. Chuck' You should be proud, too of all that Chuck accomplished in his Navy career, as a father and husband, and in his community. Love, Alice Fraser
- alice fraser, Bluffton, SC
21-gun salute from a fellow Oceanographer. Fond memories from the Naval Academy days and the weather business. Chuck was always an upbeat and fun guy to be around. Our prayers are with him and his family.
- Wynn Calland, Columbus, MS
Beth and Family, So sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. Although I did not know him well I remember his great sense of humor, which was important in meeting the challenges of the Naval Academy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Carl Klee, Gaithersburg, MD
As a fellow USNA '75 Classmate of Chuck's, my families' prayers go out to those that Chuck loved. He was a great Shipmate and devoted patriot. God Bless
- Gary Jones, Va Beach, VA
Dear Anne, Beth, and family, We are so saddened with you in your loss.Though we didn't see him often because he was so busy, he has been so much a part of our lives through you.Chuck was a great man and we were always so proud of him. Our love and prayers go out to you. Bettye and Gloria
- Gloria Stover, Columbus, GA
Beth, We were saddened to learn of Chuck's passing. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
- Tom and Cherylyn Brubaker, Brunswick, ME
I'd like to express deepest sympathies to Beth and all of Chuck's extended family.We had lost touch over the years since high school but the fond memories of Chuck and his parents remain and they are cherished. John
- John Lee, Decatur, GA
Beth, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
- Charlene Embrey Burns, EAU CLAIRE, WI
Mrs. Sellers, Beth, and children. Please accept my condolences on the loss of Chuck. I worked with Chuck these past 6 years and it was an honor and privilege to be his coworker and friend. A gentleman of the highest order, he always had something nice to say about everyone and his everyday focus was mentoring the crew around him. I consider myself fortunate to have known him and want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Lloyd
- Lloyd Swift, Washington, DC
One of my favorite books begins with words something like this: 'There is no wall or hedge around the time that has past. You can go back and have what you like, if you can remember. So I can close my on eyes on things as they are and they are gone and I see things as they were when.' I've spent the last few minutes with my eyes closed and remember joyfully the man, Chuck Sellers.
- Pat Templeton, Manassas, VA
My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family! May God keep you close in His arms and comfort you as you move through this most difficult time. Chuck was a wonderful man and an amazing boss! I worked with for 3 years on the LPD program at NGSS. I still remember him always wearing his sweater-vests and said he wanted people to remember him and they would always think of 'that guy who wore the sweater vests everyday!' LOL! He was always smiling too and had such a positive attitude about everything. No matter what was placed in front of him, he saw the best in every situation and person! He was so very proud of his family and children! He will be greatly missed by so many.
- Kim Darcourt Manzanares, Slidell, LA
I offer my most sincere condolences to the Sellers family and friends during this difficult time. There are so very many Navy service members, both in uniform and in civil service, past and present, who are grateful for Chuck’s long, dedicated and successful career. I stand among them and am truly grateful for all Chuck has done for our current and future ships. His efforts contributed to a Navy Fleet legacy that will endure for decades to come. Fair winds and following seas to a great Navy man.
- Chris Mercer, CAPT, USN, Washington, DC
God bless you, Chuck, for the lives you've touched, the love you've shared and the faith you've lived. You and your family are in our prayers.
- Robert J. Giuda '75, Warren, NH
Chuck, as a compatriot, a member of USNA Class of '75, I wish you fair winds, following seas and a rising barometer. And I wish the same to your family. I salute you Sir. Brent Wham
- Brent Wham, Paoli, PA
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Chuck’s immediate and extended family. To me, Chuck was a good friend, a wonderful co-worker, and a delightful lunch companion. I will dearly miss him.
- Lon Webb, Mandeville, LA
To the family of Chuck E. Sellers: Just wanted to send you all this short note to let you all know that you all are always in my thoughts & in my prayers every day & especially during this difficult time. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS & KEEP YOU ALL IN HIS LOVING CARE & ESPECIALLY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. LOVE IN CHRIST, JEAN SHEAROUSE LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH!
- Jean Shearouse, Asheville, NC
My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. Chuck was a wonderful neighbor and friend. I will cherish my memories of my across the street friend.
- Nancy McIntosh, Slidell, LA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
