Frederick "Fred" Wilson Selph

Asheville- Frederick “Fred” Wilson Selph, 84, received the gift of eternal life on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Fred was born July 26, 1940 in Sebring, Florida. Fred is preceded in death by his parents Lois Juanita Clements Selph and Samuel Wilson Selph; his life partner of 36 years, Ken Prentice, and his brother Doyle. He is survived by his brother Floyd (Shirley), and several nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews as well as many friends and extended family.

Fred grew up in Okeechobee, Florida where he began piano lessons in the second grade and began playing for church and Sunday school at the age of 10. Fred attended Palm Beach Community College and subsequently Florida State University where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. Fred taught elementary and Junior High music in Florida in Naples, West Palm, Palm Beach Gardens and Boca Raton. Over the years he received a variety of recognition and awards for his work, ultimately receiving Teacher of the Year. Fred served on the board for Florida Elementary Music Educators Association including holding positions as Vice-President and President.

In 1978, Fred took a brief 4-year hiatus from teaching to open a crepe restaurant, Crepe d’or, in Mount Dora, Florida. During this time, he met his life partner Ken Prentice. Fred and Ken lived in West Palm, Orlando and ultimately Black Mountain, NC. Over the years, Fred played organ and occasionally directed choirs in a variety of small churches in Florida and North Carolina. After 15 years at Church of the Resurrection in Little Switzerland, NC, Fred retired and moved to Givens Estates where he directed an a cappella men’s chorus. Fred will long be remembered for his warm, friendly demeanor and love of music and people. Fred was a member at The Cathedral of all Souls in Biltmore Village, Asheville.

Interment will be in the Memory Garden at Church of the Resurrection, Little Switzerland. Memorial gifts may be made to Friends of Music at The Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village or the Memorial Garden Maintenance Fund at Church of the Resurrection in Little Switzerland.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.