Sellier celebrates 100th birthday
Published 7:50 pm Tuesday, January 17, 2017
On Tuesday, Jan. 10, more than 100 friends and family members gathered in Windham Fellowship Hall at Church Street United Methodist Church to celebrate the 100th birthday of William P. (Bill) Sellier Jr.
Born in Kiln, Mississippi in 1917, Bill’s family eventually settled in Mobile. He graduated from Murphy High School and attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He met Selma native Rebecca Jordan while she was employed in Mobile.
Bill Sellier marked his 100th birthday Jan. 10 at Church Street Methodist Church’s Windham Hall.
They married, and she returned to Selma while Bill served in the U.S. Army during World War II as chief engineer on ocean-going Army tugboats, under enemy fire in Antwerp, Belgium and in other European locations.
After his military service, Bill rejoined his wife and their newborn son in Selma, where he made his permanent home.
During his years in Selma, Bill served as Veterans’ Continuing Education instructor, Ground Safety Inspector at Craig Air Force Base, manager of a furniture store, automobile salesman, and completed his active employment years with the Selma Waterworks Department, working full-time until his retirement at age 80.
Following the death of his wife, Rebecca, in 1998, Bill and Lucille Jordan were married in 1999.
For many years, Bill was an active member of The Selma Civitan Club, Church Street United Methodist Church and the Thomas Mackin American Legion Post and has enthusiastically offered his services to each.
Due to the healthcare needs of increasing age, Bill now resides in Southland Nursing Home in Marion, and his wife, Lucille, lives in Auburn to allow close access to her son, Ron, and daughter-in-law, Bessie.
However, Bill and his wife were reunited for this very special 100th birthday celebration.
The outpouring of love and friendship from so many church and family members and friends, resulted in a most special day for both Bill and Lucille.
Bill’s son and daughter-in-law (Bill and Polly) extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed their efforts and presence, enabling Bill and Lucille Sellier to enjoy such a truly wonderful celebration.
