John Phillip Sellers

John Phillip Sellers was born in Lynnwood, California on August 15, 1963, the first-born son of John Wesley Sellers and Edith Ann Chandler-Sellers. John passed away at the age of 60 on December 14, 2023, in Santa Paula, California as the result of a car crash. 

John, called “Johnny” by friends and family, shares the same first name with his father, (John), the same middle name (Phillip) and birthdate (25 years later) with a very favorite Uncle, James Phillip Chandler. 

Johnny’s grandfather, Isaac Chandler, observed him at 18 months of age while walking away, turn to his Uncle Paul Chandler who called out to him and tossed a ball that John was able to catch in stride. Grandpa Chandler remarked, “That child is going to be a superior athlete.” That was a prophetic statement as John, thereafter, excelled in all sports he participated in from elementary school through high school. 

At the age of six years, Johnny joined the Little League sports in Inglewood California and started his collection of sports trophies and awards. At the age of nine years in 1972, Johnny moved with his family to Fountain Valley California in Orange County where he continued his sports exploits at Ethan Allen Elementary School, McGarvin Junior High School, and LaQuinta Senior High School. 

At the age of 14 years, John stood 6 foot four inches tall and played on the varsity team of all the sports he participated in during high school. He indulged his love of sports; winning awards and trophies in football, basketball, baseball and track and field and set school, district and county records. Johnny loved all sports: adding swimming, volleyball and golf to his repertoire. In fact, since he lived near the beach, he even became a surfer dude. 

During his Junior year of high school, Johnny won the countywide decathlon and earned the nickname “Soup” for Superstar. Johnny’s sports success made him popular among his teammates and classmates allowing him to become a leader in student government as well. He became a City of Fountain Valley Ambassador and the go-to guy for public speaking and a counselor of younger students. 

Johnny’s large stature and athletic prowess allowed him to be magnanimous with others as he was seldom challenged physically. He would break up fights and arbitrate disputes among friends and classmates earning respect as a peacemaker. 

After graduating High School in 1981, Johnny attended Huntington Beach College, Bakersfield College and Moorpark College and majored in Law Enforcement. His English professor at Bakersfield College recommended that he use his “James Earl Jones voice” to make a career in radio.

Johnny Sellers took a career in logistics and distribution rather than radio although he would have enjoyed sportscasting. He worked as Stock and Distribution Manager for Sears and other companies for many years. 

Johnny met and married Yanaulia “Jenny” Anguiano in 2008. This marriage produced Johnny’s only child, Tyler Wesley Sellers, born July 10, 2023. Tyler was the delight of Johnny’s life. 

Johnny Sellers developed a philosophy of “Life is good, pass it on” early in life. An example of this philosophy was Johnny's complete dedication to caring for his parents during their times of need. His father, John Wesley Sellers, had constrained mobility during his final years of life and Johnny was there to lift him (as few others could) and take care of his personal needs with dignity. Similarly, Johnny helped his mother Edith Chandler-Sellers survive the pandemic by providing attentive personal care and keeping away anyone who might pose a risk to her health. 

Another example of generosity and “Life is good, pass it on” philosophy was Johnny’s sponsorship of his niece Davanna as a professional model. He helped move her to New York City and provided her a monthly stipend until she got established. Davanna not only succeeded as a model but met her husband there and is now happily married. 

The discipline Johnny developed to excel in competitive sports, the mediation skills learned as team leader and student coach, and the faith in God imparted to him by his extended family and church community proved valuable in helping him survive and overcome devastating events in his life. Johnny attended the various Church of God congregations in Southern California including Los Angeles, San Fernando, Bakersfield and Victorville. Among the many ministers of the Church of God who influenced Johnny were his grandfather, the late Isaac Chandler, and beloved Aunt Alice Chandler-Johnson. 

Johnny is preceded in death by two immediate family members: His father, John Wesley Sellers (December 4,1937 to December 1, 2012) and sister Simone Sellers-Holesome (March 8,1962 to March 15, 2004). 

Johnny Sellers leaves to mourn his passing: his son Tyler Wesley Sellers of Bakersfield, California; his mother Edith Ann Chandler-Sellers of Bakersfield, California; his sisters Suzanne Sellers-Wright of Santa Clarita, California, Jonet Sellers-Edwards of Beverly Hills, California; his brother Jason Sellers of Bakersfield, California. Also mourning Johnny’s passing are his nieces and nephews: Justin Sellers, Nina Simone Holesome, Gregory Holesome, Jordan Holesome, Nicole Holesome; Savannah Wright-Smith; and Davanna Edwards-Eikrem; and two grandnephews, Kai Smith and Charles Smith. There are many cousins, uncles and aunts, and other relatives, friends and church community members who have shaped Johnny’s life and who mourn and miss him.