Mr. Wallace Horton Sellars, 79, of Raleigh, North Carolina (Formerly of Sanford, North Carolina) entered into eternal rest on Sunday,  June 15, 2025 at Raleigh Rehabilitation Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Wallace was born on September 26.1945. in Sanford, North Carolina, to the late Zenobia Horton Sellars and Isaac Sellars, Sr. A proud graduate of W.R. Wicker School, Wallace went on to earn  his degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1971. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force before continuing his professional journey as a federal  employee.

Inspired by his beloved mother Zenobia's example and entrepreneurial spirit. Wallace ultimately found his calling in the beauty industry. For more than 40 years, he owned and operated hair  salons in Raleigh, North Carolina, becoming a respected fixture in the community. His salons—located for many years on Hargett and later Wilmington Street in downtown Raleigh—were not only  places of business, but gathering spaces where Wallace mentored stylists, supported local businesses, and uplifted clients with his skills, care, and kindness. He supported the local downtown  community by providing makeovers and meals for the homeless and hosting food drives. His business was one of the few that continued to operate “behind the boards” following the 2020 riots. 

Though he retained a connection to his “home" church, Fair Promise AME Zion Church in Sanford, NC, Wallace spent many years as an active member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Raleigh. NC.

He is survived by his loving children: Wallace Sellars, Jr. (Emily) of Durham, NC and Arlington, VA, and April Sellars-Haywood (John) of Raleigh, NC; his grandson, John D. Haywood, III. his  brothers: Isaac Sellars. Jr. of Sanford, NC, and William “Dickie" Sellars (Delphine) of Durham, NC; his cherished nephews and nieces: Michael Thompson, Ikea Sellars. Ahbleza Sellars. and  Jabari Sellars; special friends, Anna Crooms and Evette Harper, and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved sister, Sandra Sellars Campbell and his daughter Tracy.

Wallace Sellars. Sr. will he remembered as a man of dignity, talent, and quiet generosity—a proud veteran, a pioneering business owner, a devoted father, and a gentle soul who made everyone  feel seen and valued. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the community he helped shape. 

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Wallace Horton Sellars in your thoughts and prayers. 

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Sanford, North Carolina.