05/07/2026
Richard Daniel Sellers (“Rick”), of Ridgeland, passed away peacefully with his family by his side. A former political activist, small business consultant, and devoted family man, Rick courageously battled Frontotemporal Degeneration for many years. Through the steadfast love and tireless care of his wife, children, and caregivers, he was able to remain home until the end.
Rick was born on October 28, 1951, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Jackson and Evelyn Sellers. He enjoyed a happy childhood alongside his younger brother, Ron. The two shared a love for basketball, but their greatest joy came from trips to the family farm in Pike County, what Rick fondly called “God’s Country.” Here, they stayed with their grandparents, decedents of William Calvin Oates (who was the 29th Governor of Alabama) spending their days fishing with cousins and playing with farm animals, including George, the family mule. Even as a teenager, Rick’s passion for politics was evident; he was known to deliver speeches to anyone willing to listen.
After graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in 1970, Rick attended Auburn University, where he embraced college life while remaining focused on his growing interest in politics. A college program took him to Washington, D.C., where he gained firsthand experience in the political world that had long fascinated him. He later earned a master’s degree in international studies from American University.
Rick began his professional career as an assistant to Senator John Sparkman and later worked with the Foreign Relations Committee. In 1977, he founded a business consulting firm in Washington, D.C., working with the Reagan administration and both Bush administrations to advance a variety of causes. He notably served as Washington coordinator for the National Coalition for Peace Through Strength.
In 1991, Rick met Heather Ellis, who was leading tours of the U.S. Capitol for Senator Thad Cochran. Rick asked for her hand in marriage on their third date, she said yes, and the two built a life grounded in love and shared purpose. In 1992, Rick became the Republican U.S. Senate nominee for Alabama, supported by the RNC, and received more votes than any Republican Senate challenger in the state’s history at that time. After the campaign he remained deeply engaged in national politics, including traveling across the country with Charlton Heston on behalf of NRA-ILA, where his energy and ideas earned him a reputation as “the idea man.”
While Rick was principled and accomplished in his professional life, those closest to him knew his humor, warmth, and gift for making others feel welcome. His greatest joy was his family. After retiring, he embraced his role as a dedicated father. He never missed a sporting event for his son, proudly wearing his “Jackson’s Dad” shirt, and he mastered the art of a perfect ballet bun for his daughter. He was unwavering in his love for his family and found simple joy in watching his favorite show, The Andy Griffith Show. As his illness progressed and communication became more difficult, Rick’s final years were surrounded by the deep and abiding love of those who cared for him.
Rick was preceded in death by his father, Jackson Daniel Sellers; his mother, Evelyn Veasey Sellers. He is survived by his faithful wife of 35 years, Heather Ellis Sellers of Ridgeland; his daughter, Sarah Scott Sellers and Louis Blignaut of Ridgeland; his son, Jackson Daniel Sellers of Ridgeland; his Florida family Ron Sellers, Courtney (Eric) Smith, Kyle (Alyssa) Sellers, and Lynda (Larry) Fleming and numerous beloved family members, including Alyssa Ellis Killebrew, William Scott Ellis, William Reedy Ellis III (Billy), Sally Belle Scott, and his nieces and nephews, Vivian Killebrew, Keath Killebrew Jr, Scarlett Killebrew, Eden Smith, Titus Smith Lydia Smith, Amelia Sellers, and Isla Sellers.
Visitation will take place at noon May 7, 2026, followed by a service at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 1PM in Lexington. Pallbearers will be Kyle Sellers, Rob Bell, Scott Ellis, Louis Blignaut, and Billy Taylor.
Burial will follow at Ebenezer Church (Metal County Building, 4272 AL-223, Troy, AL 36081) in Pike County, Alabama, where Rick will be laid to rest on Friday, May 8th at 1pm beside his parents and near generations of family members. Skeen Funeral Home of Troy will be directing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Frontotemporal Dementia Association for research at https://www.theaftd.org (hesellers@aol.com).
