Robert Phillip Sellers Sr.

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Robert Phillip Sellers, 77, passed away peacefully on February 4th, 2015, surrounded by loved ones after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Birmingham, AL, Phil’s family moved to Tampa, Florida and he graduated from Sarasota High School in 1955. He was a 1959 civil engineering graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and was awarded a master’s degree in education from Troy State University. Phil entered the US Army after graduating from VMI and served 26 years as an Infantry Officer and an Army Aviator. During his military career, he served at many posts in the United States and overseas, including Vietnam and Korea. He served with the 1-9 Calvary Squadron 1st Calvary Division and during his second tour as the Commander of the 120th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam, as well as numerous other flying and joint staff positions during his career. After retirement from the Army, he served as an ROTC instructor and with the Aviation Bureau of the Florida Department of Transportation. Phil received the Distinguished Flying Cross while serving in Vietnam for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight, three Bronze Stars, a number of Army Air Medals and numerous other awards and decorations while serving two Vietnam tours. His parents, Oley Sellers and Chloe Sellers preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Spivey Sellers, his son, Robert P Sellers, Jr. (Angie) of Tallahassee, his daughter, Elizabeth Given (Robert) of Norfolk, VA, five grandchildren who gave him much joy, Jessica Sellers, Kathleen Sellers, Parker Given, Phillip Given and Blair Given and his beloved dog Molly. He was a member of Christ’s Presbyterian Church, the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, the Golden Eagle Country Club and the Tallahassee Town Club. Phil was active in the Golden Eagle community and was recognized as Citizen of the Year in 2011 for his work with the homeowners' association. He was an avid sailor and golfer. A funeral will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 14th at Culley’s Meadowood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, FL. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined. The family will receive friends Saturday, February 14th from 12:00 to 2:00 pm, followed by the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee FL 32308 or www.bigbendhospice.org.