Thomas William Sell

Thomas William Sell, 80, of Avon Park, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and loving wife, on Tuesday April 25th, 2023.  He was born on April 13, 1943 in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

He was a graduate of Southern High School in Baltimore, Maryland.  After high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Blytheville Air Force Base in Arkansas, which is where he met the love of his life, Phyllis.  After a short stay in Okinawa, they returned home as a family of four.  They moved to Maryland where he started a lifelong career as an Anne Arundel County Police Officer, completed his bachelors degree in criminal justice, and became a family of 5 by 1969.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Phyllis Sell, his three daughters, Shonette Gable (Paul), Jami Wilt (Marty), Tomi-Lyn Spirt (Brian); 9 Grandchildren Hayley, Zach, Grayson, Ben, Austin, Madi, Avery, Savanna, and Caroline, and 8 Great Grand children, Brecken, Isabelle, August, Jackson, Isaac, Penny, Audra, Haven, along with his brother James Sell Sr. , and sister Ginny Maffett.

While he was a devoted police officer for much of his life, his true heart belonged to his family.  Tom spent countless hours dedicated to supporting his children when they were young and most recently his grandchildren.  He could always be found on the playing field, either coaching or being the number one fan.  He loved creating home movies with all of the children from the time they were old enough to participate.  His door was always open, welcoming friends and strangers into his home.  He had a love for animals and was always open to his kids bringing home another critter.  As he aged he loved to explore his genealogy and share what he had found with his family. Tom also loved being on the golf course.  While in Maryland he was a member of Bay Hills Golf Course, and after moving to Florida he was fortunate enough to buy a home on the 7th hole of River Greens Golf Course.  Anyone who knew him, knew he spent countless hours either playing, watching, or trying to improve his golf game.

Above all, Tom loved Jesus.  He actively participated in his local church, whether he was hosting an at home Bible Study or being a part of his Sunday School Class.  In recent years he was grateful to visit Israel twice.  It was imperative to Tom to pass on to his children and grandchildren the love of Christ our Savior. 

Adored and loved by his wife, Phyllis, daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many many friends and family, he will be deeply missed.

Friends and family may visit on May 25, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Lake Shore Baptist Church 4613 Mountain Road Pasadena, Maryland where a memorial service will begin at 11am (a recording of the service may be viewed here on Friday, May 26, 2023) followed by a celebration of life at Two Rivers Restaurant in Pasadena.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas William Sell, please visit our floral store.