Ernest Curtis Sellers, Jr., aged 86, of Gardendale, Alabama passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. He was born June 18, 1932 in Anson, Texas to Eva Lee Cory and was adopted by Ernest and Lorena Sellers at five weeks of age. They stayed in Littlefield, Texas until moving to Birmingham with their young son in 1935. They lived in North Birmingham and Woodlawn until moving to Gardendale while Ernest was in high school. He learned to play the trumpet at an early age and loved playing with the Woodlawn and Mortimer Jordan High School bands. He also played as part of a small orchestra with the YMCA. Following his graduation from Mortimer Jordan, Ernest served with the U.S. Naval Air Force Reserve as a radioman before beginning a forty year career with the American Cast Iron Pipe Company (ACIPCO) in North Birmingham. He began working in the foundry and ended his career in sales. He was very proud of his work with ACIPCO and stayed connected to the company as an active member of the ACIPCO Retirees Club.
In 1957, Ernest married the love of his life, Betty McBride, and they began a journey that has lasted 61 years. As a loving husband, father, and grandfather; Ernest cared deeply about the people around him. After his retirement from ACIPCO, he and Betty traveled extensively, seeing the country and other parts of the world, but they always made time to stay involved in what their children, and especially their grandchildren, were doing. Ernest profoundly loved his four grandchildren and enjoyed seeing their school and church activities. He was particularly proud to see all four follow his lead as members of various school marching bands. Ernest had long known that he was adopted, and in 1994 he acted on information he had held for several years. He reconnected with his birth mother, who was living in California, and was introduced to his six half-brothers and sisters. This happy reunion opened a new aspect to his life with a large family and an inspiring story about where God can lead us when we are willing to take the first step. In the twenty years following, Ernest, Betty, and other family members visited California yearly to enjoy this new bond.
As a man with a deep and enduring faith, Ernest long served the Lord as a member of the Gardendale-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church. In addition to many roles in Church activities and committees, he shared his faith as a teacher for the Open Door Sunday School class and others. He was never shy about making connections with people, beginning conversations with a welcoming smile and an ability to be a friend to anyone. He truly never met a stranger, at least not one who was a stranger for long. His warmth and love are part of his legacy.
Ernest was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Lorena Sellers, his birth mother Eva Lee Cory Rains, and sisters Wilma Potter and Arlene Sorenson. He is survived by his wife Betty McBride Sellers; son Curtis Sellers (Sherry) of Alabaster, AL; daughter Rebecca Baird (Andrew) of Auburn, AL; grandchildren, Andrew Sellers, Nicholas Sellers, Davis Baird, and Lindsey Baird; brothers, Neil Rains (Sharon) of Watsonville, CA and Glen Rains (Sheri) of Bakersfield, CA; sisters, Linda Seybert (Terry) and Karen Payne of Bakersfield, CA; numerous nieces and nephews, and his good friend David Ku. The family would like to thank Hope Hospice for their care and concern in the last few months. Special thanks go to Healing Touch Caregivers for their love and the excellent care they have given to Ernest for over three years. Most recently, we especially appreciate the dedication of Jessi Griffin, Wayne Tubbs, Lou Earl Long, and Keri Hammett.
Visitation will held Friday, November 16, 2018 from 10 am to noon followed by funeral service at noon at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel and interment at Oakwood Cemetery following the service.
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