Maurice Dow Sellers of Charlotte, NC died Friday, January 7, 2011 at the Stewart Health Center at The Cypress of Charlotte.
The eldest son of Eunice and William Sellers, Dow was born July 1, 1920 in the small town of Red Level, Alabama. At age 5 the family moved to Montgomery, Alabama where his dad worked for the railroad until the Great Depression came and he opened two small grocery stores. Dow was his bicycle delivery boy during the early 30’s. Later, he attended Sidney Lanier High School where he played in the band, took Latin, and excelled as a student. With encouragement from his mother, he attended Auburn University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1941. Soon after, Dow moved to the Akron, Ohio and began his career with B.F. Goodrich at its wartime tire factories.
During the 40’s Akron was a 24/7 city attracting people from all over. One of these was Helen Virginia Muldoon who Dow met and married in 1943 and began a 62-year strong and loving marriage. In 1946, Harold was born and a few years later in 1949, Nancy was born. For 24 years Dow worked for B.F. Goodrich around Cleveland, Ohio. The last location was Brecksville, Ohio in a house he designed and built. Dow, throughout his lifetime, was a master handyman whether it was a bicycle, kid’s toys, washers, dryers, or automobiles.
Looking for new challenges, he accepted a job with Celanese Corporation and moved to Charlotte in 1964. With Celanese Dow quickly advanced and his promotions took him to Connecticut, Mexico City, and Bogota, Columbia. In 1974 Dow returned to Charlotte to become President of Celanese Fibers Company until his retirement in 1985. During his time with Celanese he established many friends in Charlotte and a reputation as a mentor to many of those who worked with him. He was admired and well respected. With retirement Dow and Helen continued to live in Charlotte but traveled extensively including one around-the-world tour.
In 1999, Dow and Helen were one of the first residents at The Cypress of Charlotte. Helen had suffered a stroke in 1997, which left her partially disabled. For the next 7 years Dow was her devoted care giver, along with his sister-in-law, Mildred and the staff of the Stewart Health Center. Helen passed away in 2005, and soon after, he met Catie Cocke who had just moved into The Cypress. They married in March 2006 and enjoyed five very special and loving years prior to his passing.
Dow was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Monty, his sister-in-law Mildred, and his wife Helen. He is survived by wife Catie, his son Harold and his wife, Van, of Seattle, WA, his daughter Nancy of Portland, OR, and grandchildren, Thao, Bi, William, Christopher, and Francisco. Many heartfelt thanks to Catie’s family, especially her children: Chuck Cocke, Nanelle Napp, Ginny and Allen Martin, Emily and Paul Campbell, Medora and Jeff Hoskins, Jim Cocke, and Debra Wood. They embraced him warmly and provided many delightful experiences for him.
A memorial service to celebrate Dow’s life will be held at 2 p.m., January 10th, at Providence United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Providence United Methodist Church, Our House of Portland (www.ourhouseofportland.org) or to a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements provided by Harry and Bryant.