Obituary of Sonny Sellers

Lonnie David “Sonny” Sellers was born March 6, 1935 in Delray Beach, Florida and passed away March 30, 2020 at the age of 85.

He was the son of Allie May Sellers and Fred Durant Sellers, who were both born in Ruby, SC. They moved to Delray Beach, FL in 1928.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one son; David Bartholomew Sellers.

He is survived by his wife; Nancy Ann Sellers, two children; Catherine Sellers Buchanan, and Jonathan Paul Sellers, and eight grandchildren; Daniel Sellers, Mitchell Russotti, Joshua Sellers, Allie Russotti, Elizabeth Sellers, Demi Blue, Jessica Sellers and Samuel Sellers.

His education began at Delray Beach Elementary School, K-8, Seacrest High School (Delray Beach), 9 – 12 where he graduated in 1952.

Sonny earned a tennis scholarship to college. He was graded number 9 in the state of Florida at the time. He attended the University of Florida, 1952 – 1953, Florida State University, 1953 – 1957, earning a bachelor’s degree and Western Carolina University, earning a master’s degree in 1978.

He served in the United States Navy, 1957 – 1959 (He wrote his own discharge papers to be able to teach when the school year started. His commanding officer didn’t think he’d get an early discharge. But because math teachers were in demand at the time, it was granted).

David taught science & math at Delray Junior High School, Delray Beach, FL. 1959 – 1967, then he taught Science & Math at Palm Beach Day School, Palm Beach, FL 1967 – 1977. Sonny loved coaching soccer there and achieved 3 undefeated seasons.

He also was involved in scouting for over 25 years, earning his Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow. He then went on to become a scout master in Delray.

From 1960 through 1976 he operated a summer boys’ camp called Camp Arrowmont in the mountains of western North Carolina near Glenville, NC. David did such an excellent job teaching the boys how to camp and take care of themselves in the wilderness, that Woman’s Day magazine chose his camp along with 11 other camps from around the United States to promote in their magazine in 1969.

He sought to excel in everything he did. After taking a few years off from this hectic activity. Sonny and his family started Arrowmont Stables & Cabins in 1983 opening the farm to the public to enjoy riding and vacationing to this day.

He took his horsemanship from summer camp to lifestyle and created a tourist destination which has left great impressions on tens of thousands of people who have been horseback riding at the business his family helped him build.

He did everything he could to teach his family and others how to be grateful of our heritage and history, proper grammar, arithmetic, music, trade skills, and was generous to help the wandering soul in need of a landing pad. Many times, there were homeless or drifters who had nothing but time staying with us while they got back on their feet.

Our country, family, and community were improved by his efforts also. He helped get telephone service into the Cullowhee Mountain area by getting the community to sign a petition where eight people per mile agreed to have phone service from Highway 107 down Pine Creek Rd, and up Cullowhee Mtn. Rd.

Our father, grandfather and husband will be sorely missed. He had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. Teaching was such a natural gift for him that you couldn’t be around him for very long without him sharing something with you to enjoy.

I’m sure there was a great party in Heaven when he arrived… not that God plays favorites – God just has a way of making everyone feel very special and His favorite! Thanks Lord, you are such a good God!

Memorial Services for Lonnie David “Sonny” Sellers will be held SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 AT 2 PM At Arrowmont Stables & Cabins.  Please go to www.arrowmont.com/Sonny.html  for more information In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Sonny's memory to the James Robinson Ministries.

To plant a tree in memory of Sonny Sellers, please visit tribute store.

There are plans at this time for a Memorial Service sometime in August after all the Corona Virus issues are over. Check his Facebook page or www.arrowmont.com for an update time, date, place, etc.

You can still show your support by planting a tree in memory of Sonny Sellers.