John Gail Selph's Obituary
John Gail Selph, age 74, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 1, 2020. He was born on November 15, 1945, in Camden, Arkansas, to Hugh and Christine (Alexander) Selph. He is preceded in death by his parents.
John Gail, as everyone called him in his hometown of Sparkman, AR, grew up running and playing throughout the Ouachita River bottoms. He spent his childhood summers riding horses, making campfires, hunting, and fishing. He developed a love for sports and became a successful track, basketball and football athlete. After graduating from Sparkman High School in 1963, he went to Southern State College where he ran track and played basketball. He developed many lifelong friends while at college, but none more important than the one he met on a blind date, Patricia Schnebly. That friendship blossomed into a beautiful relationship, and on June 4, 1966, he married the love of his life. Their marriage lasted almost 54 years and during that time they shared a lot of love and life. John graduated from Southern State in 1967, and began working for Taylor Gin Company before finding his passion in education. He spent 51 years serving students through his work in public education. John coached basketball, football, and track in Sparkman, AR, Magnet Cove, AR, and West Fork, AR. He served as High School Principal in Sparkman and West Fork. He later became the Superintendent of West Fork Public Schools for 17 years, and after retirement, became the Director of the Boston Mountain Educational COOP for 14 more years until officially retiring in 2019. John’s greatest title was that of dad and papa. He and Pat raised three children: Tori, Rodney, and Kasey. Together, John and Pat raised them to have a love for Jesus and family. This love of family produced 13 grandchildren ranging in age from 3 to 23 years old. Much of John’s free time was spent chasing after grandkids, watching ballgames, growing incredible gardens, and serving at West Fork First Baptist Church. He was a deacon and faithfully served his church and Lord all his life. John loved the Lord and loved his family until his dying day. Surrounded by family in his home, built by he and his beautiful wife, he said goodbye to family and his faith was made sight.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pat Selph of the home; three children, Tori Chambers and husband Casey of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rodney Selph and wife Johna of West Fork, and Kasey Helder and husband Nolan of Dothan, Alabama; two brothers, Carl Selph of San Miguel, Mexico, and Bill Selph and wife Edith of Hot Springs; one brother-in-law, Larry Schnebly and wife Teresa of Hot Springs; thirteen grandchildren, Kaden Selph, Taylor Chambers, Ashley Chambers, McKenzie Selph, Carson Chambers, Morgan Chambers, Kane Helder, Ruthie Helder, Gunner Selph, Ellie Helder, Ava Selph, Henry Helder and Alana Helder; and three nieces and nephews, Chad Selph, Gail Daigle and Kristen Schnebly-Dunn.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00pm on Friday, March 6, 2020, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at First Baptist Church West Fork at 246 N. Centennial Avenue, West Fork, AR 72774. A private burial will take place at West Fork Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the girls’ basketball team at West Fork High School and mailed to 359 School Avenue, West Fork, AR 72774.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?
