William Ricky “Rick”Sells died early Friday morning in the arms of his wife of almost 33 years, Mary, his hard-fought and long journey with cancer finally over.

He was born in Johnson City, Tenn., the first child of William Henry Sells and Virginia Lois Edwards Sells.  He will be remembered for his positive attitude, sense of humor, deep faith and most of all, his love for family. At his high school graduation, he spoke on faith. This faith began at Knob Creek Church of the Brethren in Johnson City, 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 he wrote: “My faith has always been very deep throughout my life and has sustained me through all my trials, tribulations and accomplishments.”    

He 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 earned his associate in applied sciences. He later earned his master’s in business administration from Wake Forest University Babcock Graduate School of Management.  He was a respiratory therapist and director of respiratory care services at N.C. Baptist Hospital for almost 39 years, receiving many awards and honors, serving on state and local respiratory care boards, as president of the NCSRC, a volunteer for the North Western division of the Lung Association, as well as a Chamber of Commerce recruiter.   

At Baptist, he developed life-long friendships with colleagues he felt were another 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. He 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.

Survivors: wife, Mary Elizabeth Barnes Sells; daughters, Ashley Elizabeth and Kathryn (Katie) Marie; son, William Christopher; father, William Henry Sells; brother, Keith Homer Sells (Vicki); sister, Rita Marie Sells; brother-in-law, Carl Jonathan Barnes and wife Kathryn; sister-in-laws, Laura Barnes Hayworth and husband Tony, and Doris Melanie Barnes-Hicks; many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Clemmons Moravian Church with The Right Rev. Graham Rights officiating. Burial will follow in the church graveyard. The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5 at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel.

Memorials: Clemmons Moravian Building Fund, P.O. Box 730, Clemmons, 27012.

Condolences: www.hayworth-miller.com.