Robert Sell Obituary
Ruba was known as a fun-loving, upbeat, generous free spirit with a great sense of humor. His main passion and focus throughout his life was music. He loved to write and perform with his rock band Ruba Say and the Cosmic Rays. He became a well-known icon of the rock and roll music scene in Florence, SC and Columbia, SC. He was known and loved by so many and will be greatly missed.
Ruba is survived by his brother Andy Sell, sister Ellen Sell Townsend (Randy), and brother Eric Otto Sell. He is predeceased by his parents and his brothers Jimmy Sell and Billy Sell.
A musical gathering and Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Robert
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Wayne Wallace
April 11, 2023
Ruba use to play at a bar I use to own on Park St in Columbia called the Asylum. It was great when you played all of the musicians came out to see him and it was always a big time. I've tried to keep up with him over the years occasionally online I was hoping to see him play again soon. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing, very sad to lose one of the old greats from days past. He had a big influence on a lot of people. His commitment never went unnoticed. Gone but not forgotten.
Terrell
December 3, 2022
RIP and Rock on Ruba!
Brett Price
July 26, 2022
RIP. Rock on Ruba
Pam Larrimore
July 24, 2022
I always thought a lot of you. You always had a hug for me when we ran into eachother. Rock on in heaven!
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Tommy Snipes
July 23, 2022
Tommy Snipes
July 23, 2022
Tommy Snipes
July 23, 2022
The world is a little Darker without Mr.Say,the Cosmic Frog....Rocketh Ever Onward my brother
Ron White
July 23, 2022
I'm greatful for the many years of friendship, Ruba! Love you, brother...
Trey Harrell
July 22, 2022
Ruba I want to than you for being a true lifelong friend. Thank you for all of the favors you did for me over the years and making sure I knew the words to songs when we attended many concerts together. I enjoyed every bit of our friendship and hope to find you in heaven when it's my turn. I always liked your guitar playing better than your singing but was very impressed about a decade or so ago when you guys jammed while I was visiting you. There will NEVER be another Ruba Say. Now that you are gone everyone wants one of your Tee Shirts. Thank you for going with me so many times to see "The Wall" Movie by Pinkerton Floyd. I was there when you had your 1st Guitar lesson taught by Mrs Shealey. Enjoyed meeting you at the half way spot in the mornings when we ran our paper Routes in the morning. It was a good idea when we took drafting together. I will never be able to listen to a KISS song without thinking of you. The night we Graduated from High School YOU got the biggest response out of the Audience applauding GOOD OLE RUBA SAY! My wish for you is to have a slice of Mama Frog's Pizza and tell her,you Father,Billy and Jimmy I said "Hey". All of you are missed. Rocketh ON RUBA!
Jennifer Hendricks
July 22, 2022
Such a great person! He was much loved. Xo
Pam Fraley Palmer
July 22, 2022
Terrible loss.
Tal
July 22, 2022
RIP Ruba... will always have fond memories from back in the day.
Becky Cox
July 21, 2022
I will always remember the sweet red headed guy who sat behind me in Social Studies who knew more about rock n roll than anyone!
Rob Gamble
July 21, 2022
R.I.P. my friend
Glenn Larrimore
July 20, 2022
Ruba, You will be greatly missed - that is for sure. You were a big part of my wild & crazy "White Jeep Days" at Myrtle Beach back in the 80's. You will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace Ruba - you deserve it.
Tim Dekle
July 20, 2022
So much energy, enthusiasm, and a joy to be around. You never knew what kinda antics will unfold when Ruba was around. His spirit will always be on stage...
My deepest condolences to Andy, Ellen, and Otto.
Jerry Norton
July 20, 2022
Condolences to the family. Andy, Ellen, and Eric, Peace be with you. = Ruba, "See you on the other side"
Folly Thomas
July 20, 2022
He was always very kind and a genuine soul... he will be missed
Tim Young
July 20, 2022
A fine human being and musician. Uniquely himself. I will miss him and hope to see him later.
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Sell's name
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Sell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more