Jackson J. Sells, Jr., 81 of Atlanta, a lifelong Catholic with a deep and abiding faith that gave him strength and solace throughout his life, died with his family by his side on Friday, October 11, 2013. Jack was born October 3, 1932 to the late Jackson J Sells and Ruth Estelle Grimes of Ft. Myers, FL. Graduated from St. Leo Preparatory School-St. Leo Abbey (now St. Leo University) in 1950 and awarded a track scholarship to University of Florida, Jack enlisted in the United States Army and served with the 187th Airborne RCT during the Korean War. After returning from service, he completed his education at Florida Southern University, where he was a founding member and first President of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He had a lifetime career as a manufacturer’s representative. His first job with Hager Hinge Company brought him to Atlanta in the early 1960s; he later founded and served as President of Architectural World Sales, Inc. until retiring in 2012. Well known throughout the City of Atlanta during the Civil Rights Movement, Jack was an accomplished community and political activist. He served as President of the Morningside Civic Association during the Atlanta freeway revolts. He was appointed by Mayor Ivan Allen of Atlanta to the Community Relations Commission and elected to serve the 37th district of the Georgia State Senate. He later served two terms as Chairman of Fulton County Republican Party in the early 1980s. Jack's greatest political satisfactions came from supporting at-risk youth with improved education and job opportunities. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Judith Schell Sells; four children, Ross Walker Stevens (Denise), James Schell Stevens, Simeon Wells Johnson Sells, Ann Sells Miller (David); grandchildren, Ansley Crafton Stevens and Ross Walker Stevens, III; sister, Edna Sells Hager of St. Louis, MO; and pre-deceased by sister, Ruth Sells Ward. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 11:00 am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4465 Northside Dr. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that gifts be made to Aflac Cancer Center, 1577 NE Expressway, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30329.
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