Mr. Gene Talmadge Sellers

Gene T. Sellers, 82, passed away in the early morning hours of August 31, 2017. Following a strong battle with cancer, Gene suffered a cardiac event and passed suddenly in his home in Tallahassee with his wife Connie by his side. A native of Tallahassee, Gene was born November 4, 1934 to the late Alma (Gatlin) and Talmadge Sellers. He attended Sealy Elementary School and Leon High School, where he participated in the first Oliver Hobbs Band and graduated in the class of 1952. In 1956 he received his B.S. in Chemistry from Florida State University. Following graduation, he was selected as the first forensic chemist at the Florida Sheriff’s Bureau. He served in the US Army chemical corp and then worked as a toxicologist in the Alabama Department of Toxicology and Criminal Investigations. Gene changed his profession by enrolling at the University of Florida College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor in 1962. He then joined the Griggs & Meadows Law Firm in Cocoa, FL. In 1965, Gene returned to Tallahassee where he began a long career as a government lawyer. He served as Senior Attorney and Assistant General Counsel for the Florida Industrial Commission, State Board of Education, and Florida Department of Revenue, retiring after 38 years of state service. He was an active member of The Florida Bar for over 50 years. Gene has been an active member of Christian Heritage Church all his life. He began as the pianist at the church at the age of 14, and served over 60 years. He also served on the local and international church boards for many years. Gene helped found the Tallahassee chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International and served as the local chapter president for over 20 years. Gene was a long time participant in the meals on wheels program with Elder Care Services of the Big Bend. Long a staunch supporter of Florida State University and a member of the Seminole Boosters since 1965, he served on the National Board of the FSU Emeritus Alumni Society. Gene played the piano at countless religious and church conventions for many years. In addition, he accompanied his wife Connie who sang as a soloist at many religious meetings, conventions and gatherings throughout the United States and Canada. Gene loved the red clay hills of Tallahassee and spent his leisure time hunting and fishing from the time he was a small child. Gene is survived by his wife of 59 years, Connie Sellers (née Allen), his daughter Lori Fender (Carl), and his granddaughters Whitney Herrington (John) and Ashley Carey, all of Tallahassee. He is predeceased by his son Steven Lee Sellers and his parents Alma (Gatlin) and Talmadge Sellers. A memorial service to celebrate Gene’s life will be held at Christian Heritage Church, 2820 Sharer Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32312 on Saturday, September 16, at 2 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SamaritansPurse.org (with Franklin Graham) to benefit Hurricane Harvey relief. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.abbeyfh.com.

Mr. Gene Talmadge Sellers

November 4, 1934 - August 31, 2017