Richard William Selby

Richard William Selby was born April 9, 1944, in Olney, Maryland to Carl and Victoria B. Selby. Our beloved, known to many as “Swamp,” made his transition from earth to glory surrounded by his loving family on February 26, 2026.

Richard was a product of the Montgomery County public school system. He loved cars and the faster the better. He was a car racing fan and owned a racing car for most of his life. Richard was a family man and loved family, and his daughters were the delight and challenge of his life. He also made a lasting impact on nephews on both sides of the family, shaping, molding, and influencing their lives. Richard owned his own maintenance business for many years and his ‘girls,’ nephews, and many of the community members became his most faithful workers. His grandson, Curtis II remembers that grandaddy gave him his first job.

As a child, Richard grew up in Oak Grove A.M.E. Zion Church and later when his wife became pastor of Oak Grove, he gave his life to the Lord and became a devoted supporter of her and the Oak Grove ministries. He sang in the choir, worked with the Men’s ministry, and labored tirelessly to improve the church property grounds. In 2002 when the church was in the process of renovation, he saw that it was taking a toll on his wife and he stepped in and coordinated with contractors to complete the building. He loved being the First man, the pastor’s husband of Oak Grove.

Richard was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rev. Dr. Pearl J. Selby on April 24, 1965. They enjoyed almost 61 years of a life-long commitment to a loving, caring, sharing relationship. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Gloria Jackson, Rev. Lori A. Hill, and Tiwana Richardson.

Richard Selby was Mr. GQ (stylish) & OG (original gangster) well-dressed from head to toe; he would always turn heads with his appearance and confidence as he entered a room. He loved music of all varieties; everything from Rance Allen and all the quartet groups, all the gospel greats, and Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Earth, Wind & Fire and Teddy Pendergrass. He loved sports and his favorite pastime was flicking the channels watching one game after another. Richard loved to cook and we enjoyed his famous corn pudding at Thanksgiving dinner. He will never be forgotten; he will live forever in our hearts, as he continues to influence our lives.

His life will forever be cherished in the life of his loving wife, Rev. Dr. Pearl J. Selby, daughters: Gloria Jackson, Rev. Lori A. Hill (Curtis Hill, Sr.-deceased), Tiwana Richardson (Stephen). Three Grandchildren: Demaine Jackson, Tiffany Benjamin (Lawaun) Curtis Hill II (Chanel). Eight Great-grandchildren: Anna, Addison and Taylor Jackson, Tre Treutlaar, Lawaun Benjamin, Jr., Curtis III and Jaylin Hill, Tiffany Goode. One great-great grandson: Tyson Hill. One sister: Beulah Selby-Jones, sisters-in-law: Frances Bishop, Barbara J. Henley (Lyn), a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends, and life-long friends Ross Washington, Jr., and Clifton Budd.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents: Carl and Victoria B. Selby, daughter: Renee Wallace, sisters: Willa Ann Howard and Rosa Mae Rounds, grandson: LaVar Grigsby, Sr., son-in-law: Curtis Hill, Sr.

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