Billy Seay

Billy Carl Seay, age 75 of Inman, SC, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 5, 2012 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Merle Smith Seay, his children, Debbie (Charles) Snow of Campobello, SC, Tina (Robert) Walden of Inman, SC, Eric (Martha) Seay of Cornelius, NC, and Angie Johnson of Tryon, NC; as well as nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Vera Cantrell Seay, and his sister, Barbara (Ray) Gilliam. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul William Seay, and his sister, Betty Cook. Bill was born in Valley Falls, SC, and was a graduate of Cowpens High School and the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg with a degree in Political Science. He served in the United States Air Force for 20 years and completed several worldwide assignments including a tour of duty at the North American Air Defense Command Headquarters and in Vietnam at Phu Cat Air Force Base where he was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he served as an AFROTC instructor at Gaffney High School for 23 years and retired there in 1997. In his retirement years, Bill was an avid classic car enthusiast and enjoyed buying and restoring vintage cars and attending car shows and cruise-ins. Mr. Seay was an active member of First Baptist North Spartanburg since 1974 and served in various capacities including Deacon, Sunday School Director, and Church Clerk. He enjoyed being an active member of the Saints Alive senior adult ministry which included foreign mission trips to Nicaragua working to support Chosen Children Ministries. Bill was a devoted husband, son, father, grandfather, and a faithful follower of the Lord. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family will receive friends 12:00-1:45 PM Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at First Baptist North Spartanburg. A service to celebrate his life will follow at 2:00 PM at the church conducted by the Rev. Dr. Michael S. Hamlet, the Rev. Al Phillips, and the Rev. Ken Mayfield. Members of the New Beginnings Bible Study Fellowship Class will serve as honorary escort. The family will have a private graveside service at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist North Spartanburg Building Fund, 8740 Asheville Highway, Spartanburg, SC 29303; or Chosen Children Ministries, 9418 Asheville Highway, Inman, SC 29349. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Billy Carl Seay please visit our Sympathy Store.