Walter "Petey" Sewell Obituary (1932 - 2018)

Walter Gilmore "Petey" Sewell departed life suddenly on Tuesday January 2, 2016. Walter was a long time resident of Middletown, MD where his family lived for over a century. He was born June 4, 1932 to the late Walter S. Sewell and May Hurd Sewell. Petey was educated in Frederick County, MD where he attended Lincoln High School. Petey joined the US Army in 1951 during the Korean War, where he was wounded, which resulted in being awarded the Purple Heart. He was grateful to have served his country and often talked about his experiences and fellow soldiers. He also wore his Veteran jacket and cap proudly to honor them. After being honorably discharged from service he began working at Fort Detrick as a Laboratory Technician until 1970. He later worked at the National Institute of Health, where he decided to open his own business. Petey also worked at Tate's Car Dealership before bringing his idea to life and opening the Sewell Barber Shop. His famous words when entering the shop were "his way or no way." Petey loved fishing with his best friend Buddy Hill, whom he would join annually for a summer fishing trip. He had a passion for motorcycles and especially cars. Petey was known to put "Pete's Pleasure" on all of his vehicles and one special car he trimmed in chrome. He loved to go to car shows to get new ideas on how to dress his vehicles. He was also known to take pictures of everything, including cars, events and loved ones. He lavished his attention on his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. He loved spending time taking them to museums, amusement parks and educating them about black history, especially in this community. He was also a staunch advocate in the African-American community of Frederick, serving as a member of the NAACP and American Legion Francis Scott Key, Post #11. Petey was the subject of several articles in the Frederick Magazine, which addressed Black history and the Black business owners in the community. Petey is survived by: his wife, Ruth Bernice; five children, Walter Gilmore, Jr. (Rhonda), Hagerstown, MD, Andre Sewell, Cumberland, MD, Larnell Sewell, Fairfax, VA, Chantre Sewell, Middletown, MD and Deborah Diggs, California; beloved sister, Janet C. Foreman, Frederick, MD; two nephews, Francis H. Foreman, Jr. (Val), Charlotte, NC, Walter E. Foreman, Eden Prairie, MN; a devoted niece, Shelley Draper, Greenbelt, MD; great-nephews, Jay Foreman, Lincoln NE and Steven Draper, Phoenix, AZ; and grandchildren, Farrah Pearson (William), Virginia Beach, VA, Luke and Daisy Sewell, Hagerstown, MD and Tasha Diggs, Frederick, MD. Petey also leaves best friend Bernard "Buddy" Hill and his eating crew at the Golden Corral to cherish his memory. In addition to his parents, Petey was proceeded in death by: two sisters; Betty Lou Sewell-Davis and Phyllis Dyson; and one nephew, Gary A. Foreman.