Robert "Bob" Leslie Sell

Robert “Bob” Leslie Sell, 91, of Bellaire, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024. Bob was born on December 22, 1932, at the family home in Taylor, Michigan to William and Genevieve Sell. He was the youngest of their eight children. Bob was baptized on January 22, 1933 and confirmed on April 14, 1946 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Taylor where he remained a member for many years. As soon as he was able, Bob began working for his father at Sell’s Garage located below their living quarters on the corner of Eureka and Telegraph roads. In 1940, Sell’s Garage was awarded a franchise from the Ford Tractor Company. Twelve years later, William F. Sell and Son was incorporated. At the age of 11, Bob could often be seen driving a tractor and planting victory gardens for many families in the area. When not attending school, he was at the garage working on Ford tractors and engaging with the customers. After graduating from Wyandotte Roosevelt High School, where he was involved in the choir and theatre, Bob attended Michigan State University for 2 years earning an associate degree in agricultural technology. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in April 1953 and stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, until his honorable discharge in 1955. Following that, he transitioned to the U.S. Army Reserve until his release in April 1961. Bob returned to the family tractor business and, by the late 1970’s, became president of the dealership. The dealership thrived under his leadership and became one of Ford Tractor’s most successful franchises. In 1999, the dealership was sold marking the end of Bob’s many years managing a Ford Tractor dealership. His love for Ford tractors, however, never waned and he continued to buy, sell and repair antique Ford tractors until shortly before his death. In 2023, Bob’s considerable collection of Ford tractor collectibles and memorabilia was sold at auction attracting bidders from many states eager to purchase his outstanding collection. Bob loved snow skiing and joined the Ski Club in nearby Dearborn. It was at one of the ski club’s events that he met his future wife, Joan Corcoran. Although a confirmed bachelor, Bob was captivated by Joan over a “two-olive” martini and the many dances they shared that night. They were married on May 30, 1969, at St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan. They traveled extensively on ski trips and attended many Ford business conventions. Whenever a tractor needed to be delivered, Bob was the first to volunteer eagerly loading up with Joan and hitting the road. They spent many winters in Florida and cherished their time with family and friends. Bob and Joan also loved to travel in their motorhome across the U.S. whenever the opportunity arose. Bob and Joan retired to their lake home on Clam Lake in Bellaire, Michigan as well as to their orange grove and home in Lake Alfred, Florida. Both were enthusiastic golfers and many a dollar exchanged hands after Bob finished a round at Bent Tree Country Club in Florida, Dearborn Country Club in Michigan, or Shanty Creek near his home in Bellaire. A well-respected businessman, Bob served on the board of directors at The National Bank of Wyandotte for many years. He was also President of the Taylor Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Taylor Rotary Club. Additionally, Bob held memberships at Dearborn Country Club in Dearborn, Michigan and Bent Tree Country Club in Sarasota, Florida. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ken, his sisters Louise, Edith, Irene, Claire, and Eleanor. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan; his sister Evelyn of Saginaw, Michigan; his many nephews and nieces; and numerous friends who will miss him dearly. His confirmation Bible verse is Psalm 145:18 –19: “The Lord is near to all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of them that fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them.” Memorial contributions can be made in Bob's name to Hospice of Michigan. secure.qgiv.com/for/hospiceofmichigan A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on September 21, 2024, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City, Michigan. His final resting place will be at West Mound Cemetery in Taylor, Michigan.

Robert "Bob" Leslie Sell

December 22, 1932 - August 8, 2024