Bob Sell

Robert Anthony Sell, Jr., affectionately known as Bob, was born in Germany in 1946, the oldest son of Lieutenant Colonel Robert Sell and Edith Legler Sell. He grew up alongside his two siblings, Jim and Mary-Lynn, and to say their upbringing in Europe was epic is an understatement. From travels to tribulations, the three experienced adventures that seem almost unheard of today.

Bob eventually attended Virginia Tech, where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering before joining the Army Corps of Engineers. He was deployed to Vietnam and rarely spoke about that chapter of his life, except to make it clear how seriously he took safety, preparation, and readiness for the men under his command.

After leaving the military, Bob returned to Virginia and went to work for Firestone, where he met his wife, Connie. They fell in love, and the rest, as they say, is history. Together, Bob and Connie built a wonderful life. They welcomed three children—Bill, Michael, and Mary Ann—and, through job changes and moves from Virginia to Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, and eventually Arkansas, they forged their own path and built a life filled with family, work, and adventure.

Bob continued his education, earning his master's degree from Purdue University, and eventually found his professional home in the tire retread industry. He built a successful career in this highly specialized field. Later, he became a business professor at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. It was there that he seemed to find a particularly fulfilling chapter of his professional life. He enjoyed teaching, sharing his knowledge, and working with students, and remained at UAFS until his retirement.

Bob was a complex man, but he took his role as head of the household seriously. He never wavered in his commitment to being a provider, a leader, and a steady presence for his family. He believed in doing what needed to be done, taking care of his own, and meeting life’s challenges head-on.

He is survived by his brother, Jim Sell; his sister, Mary-Lynn Corradi; his nieces, Jocelyn Foye and Katie Schirl; his three children, Bill Sell, Michael Sell, and Mary Ann Elkin; their spouses; and his grandchildren, Camden, Sierra, Ashlee, Henry, Ethan and Callie, who will carry his legacy forward.

We know that Mom was waiting with open arms for you, Dad. We rejoice in knowing that you are together again.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, Dad. Until we meet again.