Shelby Wayne Sells

Shelby Wayne Sells, age 80, passed away on Friday, May 16th, 2025. Shelby was born on December 7th, 1944, in Brushy, Oklahoma, at home, to Dovie Sue Gardenhire, his biological father Bill Sells, and raised by Ted Gardenhire. He married Maxine Viola Daniels on February 6th, 1965, in Stilwell, Oklahoma. Shelby was a beloved father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

In his early years, Shelby worked as a sawmiller at the family-owned and operated mill. Later on, he went on to build communication towers across the US and worked alongside his sons. His wife, Maxine, often traveled with them, creating home wherever they went, but mostly to keep them out of trouble. In the famous words of one of Shelby's favorite singers, “Mama Tried”.

Though he is no longer with us, his memory will forever be in our hearts. He always had a story or two to tell, loved to reminisce about the good ole days, and could always make you laugh.

Shelby leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Maxine Viola Sells of Brushy; a brother in law, Buster Daniels of Sallisaw; 3 sons, Anthony Wayne Sells of Brushy, Shelby Don Sells of Brushy, Teddy Lee Sells and wife Buffie of Brushy; 9 grandchildren, Justin Sells of Sallisaw, Hesston Sells and wife Brandy of Brushy, Brendon Sells of Fort Smith, Jade Sells of Siloam Springs, Chris Sells of Brushy, Teddy Wayne Sells and wife Kelsey of Sallisaw, Brandie Jones and husband Dallas of Sallisaw, Tripp Sells of Sallisaw, Ashton Darcy and husband Keith of Brushy; 12 great grandkids, Payton, Logan, Lettie, Ella, Teddy River, Mylie, Mia, Gracey, Taiden, Kloe, Halle, and Allison Rose.

Shelby was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Dovie Sue Gardenhire, Father Bill Sells, and Ted Gardenhire.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 22nd, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 pm at Forever Memories Funeral Home Services in Sallisaw.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 23rd, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Forever Memories Funeral Home Services in Sallisaw, with a graveside service to follow at Brushy Cemetery. Pastor James Woodruff Jr. will be officiating, and pallbearers will be Hesston Sells, Justin Sells, Chris Sells, Teddy Wayne Sells, Tripp Sells, and Dallas Jones.