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DUTTON - Rev. Frank L. Seal Jr. is rejoicing in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and walking down the streets of gold. He passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2003. He was born in Chesterfield County, Va., on June 26, 1929. He has an honorable discharge from the United States Navy in 1953. He was an ordained United Methodist Minister serving Mt. Airy Charge on the Lynchburg District in 1962-1964; Prospect U.M.C. at Mechanicsville in 1964-1966; Bethlehem U.M.C. at Bena in 1966-1970; Lower Middlesex Charge at Hartfield in 1970-1972; Shiloh United Methodist Church on Gwynn’s Island in 1972-1976. In June of 1976, he became the full-time director of Hopesville Ranch for Boys. Rev. Seal was the founder of Hopesville Ranch for Boys that started in 1968. He has received numerous awards and plaques for his work with youth; Book of Golden Deeds from the Exchange Club of Warwick, Newport News; recognition from the Hampton Sertoma Club in 1975; Ft. Eustis Chapter of the Protestant Men of the Chapel in 1976; and was awarded a plaque for the leadership provided in establishing Hopesville Christian Academy. He was past president of Virginia Association of Children’s Homes; president of Gloucester Ministerial Association; also president of both Middlesex Ministerial Association and Mathews Ministerial Association. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Ruth H. Seal; a son, Ralph W. Seal and his wife, Lisa, of Lynchburg; two daughters, Sheila S. Boettcher and her husband, Gerald, and Joyce S. Clarke and her husband, Donald, both of Dutton; four grandchildren, Emily, Caleb, Joshua and Sarah; his brother, Beverly Seal and his wife, Barbara; and a sister, Barbara S. Blankenship and her husband, Billy. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 2, at Locust Grove United Methodist Church, Dutton, with entombment following at Windsor Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, Mathews, VA and to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 9824 Spring Branch Drive, North, VA 23128. Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Rev. Frank L. Seal, Jr. Family.
Will be missed
Kevin Robinson
October 23, 2014
June 23, 2014
Dad, it will be Father's day on Sunday it will be the first one without you here. It's still so hard to think of you and not cry. I know you won't see what I write, but I do hope that you know my thoughts. I miss you so much more now. I keep waiting for you to call me first thing in the morning and ask me to come down and get something for you or go and get your lunch. Life is not the same with you not here, but I would not wish you back for I know that you are much happier in Heaven. I just wanted you to know that I am going to put a flower on the alter in church Sunday, June,15 in memory of you Dad. I love you and miss you.
Joyce Clarke
June 13, 2003
THE MAN FROM BETHLEHEM
Dedicated to the
Rev. Frank L. Seal, Jr.
This man was just like you and me as down life's road he went.
His hopes and fears, ups and downs, but to his job his back was bent.
I know for a fact he was always there;
Through sickness and troubles he'd come
But sometimes as humans we're unthinking, unkind,
But from us he never would shun.
He's gone from us now, another task to perform.
We're saddened but here to say,
He'll be missed in our midst, but I surely so hope
He'll come back for a visit someday.
May God bless him and guide him,
One true faith may he stand.
This man that I speak of was our preacher, my friend,
And our church is called Bethlehem.
William H. Wilson
Bethlehem Church, Bena, Va.
1970
Ruth Seal
June 6, 2003
Hey pop, I was really missing you today. I was looking at my calendar and noticed that you had left to go be with Jesus one month ago today. I found a picture of you and mom today and as I sit here writing I think of a lot of great memories. I imagined you probably feel like you've been there nearly several thousand years by now. I'll bet you are probably preparing for your solo in the greatest musical ever put together. I miss so you much!
Love Ralph, Lisa ,Emily,Caleb,and Joshua.
Ralph Seal
May 29, 2003
Dad, Jerry and I will always remember your compassion to people and your willingness to support your children in any endeavor they strived to accomplish for you frequently told me that with man things are impossible but with God nothing is impossible. We will always remember that spirit of vision you had and when others said why? you asked why not and set your mind to doing what God called you do no matter what others thought or said. There is to much to say and not enough space to say it in but this is dedicated to you, forever my father, my friend and my mentor. We love you Dad.
Gerald & Sheila Boettcher
May 28, 2003
Frank and I did many things together when we were young and in school. Later on we grew apart due to our physical locations, but we kept in touch with each other. While I was out earning a living, Frank was serving God. He had a much better job then I. I think of him every day and I will miss him.Barbara and I know that he is in a better place with Mother and Dad. One day we will join him.
Beverly and Barbara Seal
Ocala, Florida
Beverly Seal
May 22, 2003
Frank Seal was one of God's choicest servants of this generation. It was my privilege and honor to call him my friend and colleague for over 30 years. He was a wonderful pastor, husband, father and a leader to thousands of young people. He gave his life for others in ministry. We will all miss him.
Harry Covert
May 22, 2003
Frank was my brother and Friend In his younger years he had lots of adventures. With the push of his mothers hand and the Lord he found a new road to travel. He was dedicated to his Lord and Family. He will be missed deeply by his sister and her husband Bill.
Barbara Blankenship
May 22, 2003
I am so sorry to hear of Reverend Seals' passing. I used to work at Hopesville Ranch for Rev Seal. He was a great leader and such a great preacher.
orville ingram
May 6, 2003
Frank touched my life. He was a wonderful man of vision and love.
Rev. Eugene Thomas
Thalia UMC. Virginia Beach Va.
Eugene Thomas
May 2, 2003
Anthony & Joanie Zizolfo
May 1, 2003
Dear Ruth and family, I was sad when
I saw Frank's death in the paper this morning. As I thought about him, I remembered his untiring efforts to help wayward boys back in the 80s. A lot of boys were helped and if the community had accepted the project better and the churches had given more effort, I just know that it would still be functioning today. Anyway, the Lord certainly will reward Frank for his heart of love and concern for children who were in trouble. I realize that the last few months have been difficult and I am sure that he is basking in the presence of our Precious Lord. I am praying for your strength and provisions for the years ahead. May the Lord confort you as only He can. My love to each of you. Joanne
Joanne Gayle
May 1, 2003
To my Dad, Frank Seal, Jr. I am so thankful that God allowed you to be my father. I have been truely blessed to have a father so caring of his children. I am thankful that God allowed Sarah and myself to have spent these last few months being with you. I miss you so much, but I am so glad that you don't hurt anymore Dad. I will love you and think of you everyday of my life.
Joyce Clarke
May 1, 2003
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