Dr. William Horace Sell

Dr. William Horace Sell,  age 91, of Hoschton passed away in in his sleep early morning Friday, April 24, 2020. Born July 26, 1928 to the late Harlan Lucious Sell and Louise Hill Sell, Dr. Sell was a lifelong resident of Hoschton. He graduated from Winder High School. He attended North Georgia College in Dahlonega and earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the University of Georgia in Athens.  He furthered his education with a Doctorate from Cornell University in New York in the early 1960’s. He married Edna Reece Sell in 1959. They enjoyed 56 years of life together and raised two sons. Dr. Sell served in the U.S Navy from 1950-1953. His working career began with the UGA Extension Service as county agent in Cobb County, and finally retiring as Head of UGA Extension Agronomy in Athens.  He served for several years as Chairman of the Jackson County School Board and actually presented high school diplomas to both his sons during their respective graduation ceremonies.  He also served as a Hoschton City Council Member and member of The Agronomy Society. Dr. Sell spent many years working with Honduras Outreach in Central America and mission work to Romania.  Dr. Sell was an avid 4-H supporter and enjoyed working with the young people across the state.  He loved hunting, fishing, UGA football, and most of all, family get-togethers. For most of his life he raised crops and tended cows on the family farm.  He was a world-class gardener and could grow most anything anywhere.  His peers often said he raised corn in the backseat of his car! He was a Mason and lifelong member of Hoschton United Methodist Church. Dr. Sell leaves to cherish his memories his son Shannon and wife Kimberly; grandchildren Rebecca Crawford and husband Jason, Alex Oliver, Katherine Fouts and John Fouts; great grandchild Cole Crawford and other close family members including Kim Austin  and husband Jay and Amelia Austin. Dr. Sell is preceded in death by his wife Edna Reece Sell, son Scott William Sell and sister Dorothy Sell. A memorial service has been planned on Dr. Sell’s birthday this summer 2:00 pm Sunday, July 26, 2020 at Lawson Funeral Home Chapel.  In lieu of any flowers, please make donations in his name to either Hoschton United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 155, Hoschton, GA, 30548 or to the Georgia 4H Foundation, 306 Hoke Smith Annex, Athens, GA  30602.  Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53, Hoschton, GA, 30548, www.lawsonfuneralhome.org,  706-654-0966.

6 thoughts on “Dr. William Horace Sell”

  1. Shannon and family –
    I am so sorry to hear about your dad passing away. I so enjoyed talking with him at The Oak’s. I know he will be missed. You all will be in our prayers during this time.
    Susie & Marty Plog &
    Jane Holbrook

  2. Prayers to you and yours. Your dad was a wonderful man and he will be missed.

  3. My heart is saddened by the loss of my dear friend, Mr. Sell. A truly humble, yet distinguished, man who would share his gardening wisdom and latest tomato; beautiful purple okra and special bean seeds, from the Amish country, with me while I visited with my parents at The Oaks. I will cherish so many teachable moments and memories of sunny days in the garden with him in his broad brimmed hat and the Beanstock that reached the clouds and the bolls of cotton he would share as table decorations.
    I know his sweetheart, Edna, will be waiting to walk him through the gates and then both of them jump in their old VW and take off like when they headed to Cornell. He would chuckle remembering that particular time with Edna.
    His tender compassion for his bunny… who would thump the floor of the cage for food… and the chuckle that would follow from Mr. Sell.

    God gives us gifts, Mr. Sell’s friendship was one.

  4. Mr sells was a very special person. I love hearing his stories when I worked at the Oaks.
    Cindy

  5. So saddened to learn of Mr. Bill’s passing. I loved he and Miss Edna dearly.

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