In Memory

Carl Sebris

Carl Sebris

Tampa, FL:  October 30, 2015

Carl Maynard Sebris, age 61, of Port St. Lucie, FL, passed away on October 30, 2015. Follower-of-Christ, Husband, Father, "Bop," and Pastor, Carl passed peacefully into his Savior's arms on Friday morning, October 30, 2015.

Carl was born in Brookline, Massachusetts on October 10, 1954, the youngest of three children, to parents Ruth and Robert Sebris. Carl spent his childhood summers on the Great South Bay fishing on the family boat with his brother Bob and sister Evelyn. In 1972 he graduated from Pittsford High School in Pittsford, New York.

After receiving an athletic scholarship, Carl attended Cornell University. He transferred to the University of South Carolina playing on the collegiate soccer team. Carl graduated from USC with a bachelor's degree in biology. Carl attended Clemson University receiving another bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. At Clemson, he met the two loves of his life.

In January of 1978, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior while kneeling bedside in his apartment. Carl would often describe that moment as him praying the first real prayer of his life the best he knew how.

In October of 1979, Carl met the other love of his life, his wife Patricia, on campus at Clemson. The two married on December 13, 1980, building their marriage around Jesus Christ with the verse 1 John 4:19- "We love because he first loved us." Over the years, Carl and Patricia had six children-Amie, Kristen, Katie, Caroline, Andrew and Janiece. Carl's joy sprung anew with the birth of each child. The family spent 24 years in Clemson, South Carolina. There Carl lead the international student outreach ministering to people from all over the world.

Later in life, Carl felt called to become a pastor. He received his Master's of Divinity in 2003.

In 2004, Carl moved his family to Fort Pierce, Florida to pastor Bible Baptist Church. Over his 11 year ministry, he endeavored to edify everyone he met, seeking to influence St. Lucie County the best he could.

In May 2011, Carl was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Throughout the whole of his treatment, he sought to be courageous for those he loved. Even while undergoing various treatments, Carl strove to encourage to those around him-both the patients and medical staff. After a brave five-year fight, God called Carl home. In October 2015, after turning 61 years old, Carl passed away surrounded by his family at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; six children: Amie, Kristen, Katie, Caroline, Andrew and Janiece; son-in-law, Will; two grandchildren, Liam and Elle; sister, Evelyn; brother-in-law, Paul; nephew, Kyle; niece, Trina; brother, Bob; sister-in-law, Lawson; and nephews, Matt and Bryan. His parents, Robert and Ruth Sebris, preceded him in death. Many friends and loved ones also survive him.

Published in the TC Palm Newspaper, November 2, 2015



 
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09/07/16 07:42 AM #1    

Tina Franz (Maxfield)

Such a nice guy...his family will miss him.  So glad his faith was strong.


09/07/16 10:33 AM #2    

Robert Merrill

So sorry to hear of Carl's passing. Bless his Family and his Church.


09/07/16 12:13 PM #3    

Lawrence Urbon

 

I am shocked and saddened.. Carl and I were pretty good friends in HS.   I went to Davidson College in NC, and one day I walked by the field where Davidson's soccer team happened to be playing South Carolina. I wasn't that interested, but I kept hearing this 'voice' from the playing field that was familiar. I kept looking and looking, then narrowed the 'voice' to the SC goalie. Longer story shortened, it was Carl.  We connected and visited after the game. To my surprise at the time, he'd transferred to SC from Cornell.  His parents from Pittsford has moved to a NC/SC border city, and Carl'd come south with them. He told me about his profound problems with blood pressure and circulation while a 1st and 2nd year student at Cornell. Hard to believe, considering that in HS he was an All-American soccer player. Apparently, the SC soccer program was very new, and he was protecting his b.p. by playing goalie,and was also in a position as a goalie to be sort of a field manager/general/captain.. a role that he'd always had while in HS, too.  His voice, constant cackling and/or encouragement to fellow players was one of his trademarks, even in HS.   We fell out of touch after the SC/Davidson interaction, but I googled him several years ago to learn about his involvment in ministry, in Florida..  Carl was a busy guy.  I may post more thoughts later on recollections about him in Pittsford, but for now, needed to say something.  In HS he was a hard-working, extremely temperamental person, sometimes even a little scary.. BUT, a good person -- really good. Smart. Reliable.  I am so sorry that we've lost him. He had an interesting life, for sure.

 

 

 

 


09/07/16 03:23 PM #4    

Thomas Reifsteck

WOW   All I can say is WOW !!

What a great testimoniy of a life well lived and a mission accomplished for his Lord.  This inspires me to press closer to Jesus myself.  Love the Lord.  Love people.  Stay straight.

RIP my brother.  Ill see you there on the other side.

Tom R


09/07/16 03:56 PM #5    

Laurie Lupinetti (Brooks)

My sympathies to Carl's family. Treasure your memories till you all meet in heaven one day! The earthly world has lost a wonderful man! Although I did not know him well I have fond memories of Carl in high school. Rest in Peace.


09/07/16 04:43 PM #6    

Betsey Kuecken (Buckingham)

What a wonderful testimony of a life well lived.  I've been surprised about how many classmates have grow into strong Christian men and women.  We were all blessed to have known Carl.  


09/07/16 08:14 PM #7    

Mary George (Markell)

I will always have fond memories of Carl.He was smart, funny, and he was a good friend in middle and high school.I'm happy for him that he found his calling and had such a wonderful family to share his life.God bless you Carl, and thank you.

09/08/16 10:38 AM #8    

David Richman

 

Memories of Carl are so warm. He was a rock, a true source of strength, even as a young man finding his way to adulthood in high school. 

We have lost a special friend.  Sincere condolences, David

 

 

 

 

 


09/08/16 07:31 PM #9    

Victor Nowrocki

So many great memories of Carl and how he had so many successes in his life makes me even prouder to have known him. May God Bless him and All his family!!


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