Rev. Ennis George Sellers

1929 - 2017

Reverend Ennis George Sellers of Mobile, died on Thursday, December 28, 2017, at the age of 88. He had just celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife Jule Bland Sellers, three children David Sellers (Tina), Bill Sellers (Jill), and Susan Walker (David), and six grandchildren, Ross, Kyle, Hanna, Chris, Sam, and Laura; and a brother Pat Sellers (Peggy) of Bell, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents Ellis and Johnnie and older brother Ellis J. Sellers. Ennis was born to Ellis and Johnnie Sellers in Union Springs, Alabama. He grew up mostly in Georgianna, Alabama. His earliest memories of church were of singing Jesus Loves Me. He was active in middle and high school sports playing football, baseball, basketball, and track, and was the leader in MYF at Georgianna UMC. During these high school years, he became keenly aware of his desire to fulfill some kind of service in Christ. Upon graduation from high school he went into the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. Upon leaving the military, he attended Troy State University, where he walked on for football and was given a scholarship. He graduated in 3 years. His best memory at Troy was of having a tough, but supportive Drama teacher who pushed him to become a more self-assured public speaker, which he knew was needed if he was to fulfill his dream of becoming a minster. Following graduation, Ennis was given a scholarship to Emory University's Candler School of Theology. He was to start Theology school in the Fall of 1950, but was asked to put school on hold for 6 months and immediately begin serving a church in Abbeville. It was here he met the love of his life, Jule Bland. They grew closer during their work together, and when it came time for him to leave for Emory, they became committed to each other and she took his college ring as a promise for marriage. At Emory, Ennis was asked to serve a circuit of 4 churches in the Eufala Alabama area. The second year of divinity school, Jule joined him after their marriage in 1952. They were given a fifth church to serve along with the other four. This great team would leave Atlanta on Fridays and go serve these small congregations. The White Oak church on this circuit was chosen as Alabama Small Church of the Year. He graduated from Emory in 1954 as a fully ordained minister and was given the parish of Fulton Heights UMC in Mobile Alabama. In succeeding years, he served churches in Alabama and northwest Florida. A memorable appointment was at Tuskegee Alabama, between 1960-1964. During this time Ennis and family were met with threats and intimidation from law enforcement and the KKK due to his support of school integration, and his stand that anyone or any color could attend a church he was minister. Their favorite church was Ashland Place United Methodist and this became their church upon Ennis' retirement in 2005 after 55 years of service. Not long after retiring he was asked if would serve two churches on the Millry Circuit, in Millry Alabama. Once again, he and Jule would team up and drive up the country to share the word of Jesus for 5 more years. Ennis' story is one of determination, hard work, listening to one's spirit, and letting God guide you. He believed that "all things were possible with God". His Celebration of Life will be held at Ashland Place UMC. A visitation will be held from 10:30-12:00 in the church fellowship hall, followed by a service from 12:00 to 1:00. Burial will follow the service at Mobile Memorial Gardens in Tillman's Corner. The service will be conducted by Dr. Sterling Boykin, Rev, Thomas Irby, and Rev. Joseph Reams. Music will be provided by Organist Beth Atkinson. The family is thankful for the good care provided by Kindred Hospice and the many caregivers at Somerby Retirement Community. In lieu of flowers, the family request gifts may be made to Ashland Place United Methodist Church, or the United Methodist Children's Home, 3140 Zelda Ct, Montgomery Alabama, 36106.