Charles Sonny A Sellars

Charles "Sonny" Sellars, son of the late Charles and Pauline Sellars, was born in Dublin, Georgia, on September 30, 1928. His sisters, Mildred and Hildred, adored their baby brother. Later, he returned the attention by always being on call for them. Sonny had many friends throughout the years but he had a special cousin and friend, Harold Denton. The two of them spent many hours together playing as children and then building/repairing anything and everything as adults.

Spending time with his family became a priority. Whether they were camping in the North Carolina mountains or at Rocks Pond Campground in South Carolina, his family enjoyed time together. Cathy, Gale, and Charlene (daughters) were always foremost in his thoughts and prayers. Playing gin rummy to decide who would wash dishes and who would take out the trash while camping was a fun way to assign chores. Their daddy often lost at cards and took the trash out himself. Family gatherings for major holidays had Sonny bringing his infamous potato salad, deviled eggs, and ham as his contributions.

Sonny made sure that all his daughters were provided with a college education from the University of South Carolina. We often joked that the Westvaco aroma paid for that education. He was proud of his daughters, often telling people that his girls became strong, independent women who could stand on their own two feet. He was also proud of his sons-in-law. Sonny became a second father to them, showering them with his wisdom and advice...when asked. Cathy's husband Terry spent hours with Sonny talking Atlanta Braves baseball and Gamecock football. Gale's husband Tommy enjoyed talking about fishing holes and fishing adventures. Charlene's husband Bill sought his advice on repairs or remodeling of their home. The love was returned as his sons-in-law were willing to help him in any way they could. Bill often worked on building or repair projects that Sonny had for his own home or lake house.

Sonny's love encompassed his four grandchildren who called him Pawpaw. His three grandsons loved their Pawpaw and learned many life lessons from him. Troy often laughed at the stories his Pawpaw told him as he was growing up. Troy's quick wit probably came in part from his Pawpaw. Dustin loved discussing the finer points of baseball and football. Between the two of them was a wealth of sports history. Chad inherited his Pawpaw's skill with tools and problem solving. Chad was often at his Pawpaw's house helping his Uncle Bill with a roofing problem, installing porch rails, or other jobs. However, the apple of Pawpaw's eye was his only granddaughter Ashley and she referred to him as her Sweet Pawpaw. Ashley was known for sending cards, letters, and pictures and for giving the best hugs. Sonny made beautiful cradles when the first grandchild from each family was born. Each grandchild slept in the cradle in their first weeks of life.

His love just spread a little more when his great grandchildren were born. Caroline brought laughter and joy into his home. One of Sonny's goals was to build a doll house for her. Since he was a skilled craftsman and a meticulous builder, the doll house became a major focus off and on for two years. He wanted the doll house to be perfect for his perfect great granddaughter. When finished, Caroline's doll house was the envy of the family. Then the great grandsons began to arrive. Camden's energy and all-boy personality brought smiles to his Pawpaw. Babies Braxton and Cooper were held by their Pawpaw as he made the trip to North Carolina to meet them after their births.

Sonny's nieces and nephews loved him and he showered them with his affection. Each have commented about the love they had for him and the knowledge gained by being around him. Giving family hugs demonstrated his love for his extended family.

Sonny passed away after battling melanoma for two years. He spent his last hours surrounded by family sharing stories, laughing, and crying. Each person spoke to him and shared their love.