J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Sealey, Earl M.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Waverly, VA
Earl M. Sealey, age 92, a resident of Waverly and husband of the late Gertrude Peters Sealey, died Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007 at John Randolph Medical Center, Hopewell. Born on Dec. 13, 1914 in Hampton, he was the son of the late Mallory M. & Lillian Mae Gatewood Sealey.
He is survived by a son, Earl Randolph Sealey and his wife, Cynthia, of Hopewell; a daughter, Kathryn S. Hancock and her husband, Joseph, of Wakefield; three grandchildren, Holly H. Vegh and husband, Michael, of Chesapeake, Victoria H. Goodrich and husband, Henry, of Wakefield, and Colby Elizabeth Sealey of Hopewell; three great grandchildren, Felecia Christine Adkins of Chesapeake, Benjamin Hancock Goodrich and Zachary Ryan Goodrich, both of Wakefield; three sisters, Geneva S. Ashe, Marie W. Becker, and Vivian S. Landrum and husband, Murrell; two brothers, Edwin C. Sealey and Joseph A. Sealey and wife, Lottie; and sister-in-law, Vernell Sealey, all of Hampton. He was predeceased by a brother, Mallory M. Sealey.
Earl was the owner and operator of Sealey Equipment Company for over 55 years. He and his wife, Gertrude, worked side by side at this business, and were devoted in marriage for over 70 years. He was a devoted trustee and deacon of Waverly Baptist Church, past president of Waverly Rotary Club, a founding member of Warwick Ruritan Club, Newport News, and a founding member and trustee of the Waverly Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Purviance Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, Wakefield, with the Rev. Anthony George officiating. Burial will be at 4:30 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday evening, 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Waverly Baptist Church, P.O. Box 576, Waverly, VA 23890 or to the Waverly Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 583, Waverly, VA 23890. Condolences may be posted on our website at www.jtmorriss.com.

Randy and Family,
What a sense of loss I experienced and what a sense I felt that a truly great man has left us for a better place when I learned that Earl had passed. I had many personal experiences with Earl and Mrs. Sealey since moving to Wakefield in 1985. I met Earl not long after that and bought my first saw from him then. I was always touched by the simple honesty and dignity that were the trademark of Earl Sealey. I always enjoyed his sense of humor and work ethic. I also was touched by the partnership that Earl and Mrs. Sealey had when they were running the business together. Heaven is a much better place and we are the worst for his passing. My sincere condolences to the family,
Jim Borden

Posted by: Jim Borden at September 23, 2007 11:41 AM

I will miss Mr Sealey. He was able to fix just about anything. A very unique individual. These are becoming more and more scarce as they lack the experience.

Posted by: stephen schilling at September 21, 2007 12:41 PM

Randy and family, We just learned of your father's passing when I passed Becky on the way out of the Chamber office to attend the service. Craig and I can empathize with losing your father and we pray for you and your family to be strengthened and to share in all the fond rememberances of your loved one. Chris Strosnider

Posted by: Chris Strosnider at September 18, 2007 03:49 PM

Councilman Randy Sealey: During your time of bereavement, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family in the passing of your father. May God be with each of you!

Posted by: Vice Mayor Brenda Pelham at September 17, 2007 08:01 PM

Councilor & Mrs. Sealey:

Bobby and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. I realize there are no appropriate words at this time, but please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that God will help ease the pain of the loss of your father during this difficult time.

In Christian Love,
The Pershing's

Posted by: Debbie & Bobby Pershing at September 17, 2007 01:32 PM

We are saddened to hear the news of Mr. Sealey passing. I had the pleasure of working for Mr. Sealey and Randy at their family business early in my adult life. I learned a great deal from both of them. I was always amazed by Mr. Sealey's ability to create, and repair almost anything. And, he always had a wonderful smile and a gracious "howdy" everytime we met. I will miss him. My prayers and thoughts are with the family, especially Randy. Your dad was the best! Paul and Amy Harte

Posted by: Paul Harte at September 17, 2007 11:52 AM