James Clifford Sell

James Clifford (Cliff) Sell, 96, recently of Watkinsville, GA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 1, 2025, with family by his side.

Cliff was born in Dutton, Arkansas, to Gladys and Lawrence Sell, who had nine children. He spent his younger years in Kansas and Missouri during the Great Depression, before the family migrated west during the Dust Bowl.

During World War II, Cliff went to work at a bomb factory, and a few years later, he joined the U.S. Navy Reserve. While a reservist, he worked on farms and ranches, learning skills he would use throughout his adult life.

Cliff married Orva Nell Hester in 1949 in Yorba Linda, CA, and the couple raised four children. Cliff began working in the bee business, and in 1961, the family moved to Montana, where Cliff built the Madison Valley Honey business that continued for 35 years. Cliff eventually built a home and retired in East Wenatchee, WA. He and Nell became active members of the Eastmont Baptist Church, where Cliff served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.

Cliff and his siblings maintained close ties as their respective families grew and moved around. After retirement, they spent winters together in Desert Palm at a trailer park, where their area became known as “The Sell Block”. The group enjoyed a variety of activities, meals and games together, sharing lots of love and laughter. Cliff often could be found cooking or serving at the pancake breakfasts hosted by the park association.

For the past 10 years, Cliff lived in Watkinsville, GA, with his daughter Connie Bryant. With her loving care, he continued his enjoyment of gardening, fishing, visits with friends and family, and participation at Grace Fellowship Church.

Cliff treasured the people in his life, and his quick smile and outgoing personality helped build relationships wherever he lived. He earned a reputation as a storyteller, always ready to recount funny memories or unique tales that resulted from a life of adventures with friends and family.

Cliff was preceded in death by his wife Nell; brothers Leo, Ray, Bob and Wayne; sisters, Lola and Flo; and daughter Diana. He is survived by his sons, Rod (Valerie) and Rex (Cynthia), and daughter Connie; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Sunday, March 9, 2 p.m., at Grace Fellowship Church, 1120 Malcom Bridge Road, Bogart, GA 30622, (706)769-4001. A family memorial service will be held in Washington at a future date. For those unable to attend the service at Grace Fellowship, please visit the following link to the church website to view the service. https://graceathens.online.church/

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kids First, a charity that Cliff loved and supported. The organization may be reached at Kids First, P.O. Box 80735, Athens, GA 30608, or online at https://www.kidsfirstfam.com.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com