Benjamin Curtis Seal Jr.

Benjamin Curtis Seal Jr. obituary, Sunshine, LA

Benjamin Curtis Seal Jr.

Benjamin Seal Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Aug. 25 to Aug. 27, 2014.
""For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance."" Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 NLT. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was a resident of Sunshine, La, and a native of Baton Rouge. Ben passed away Sunday at the age of 71. He was founder, owner, pilot, and mechanic of Southern Helicopters. He is survived by his wife Xiaomei Seal, Benjie Seal III and wife Kristie, Leah Besson and husband Keith, Jason Seal and wife Lea, Anna Neal and husband Matthew, and Zhou Zong Yuan, eight grandchildren Shelby, Charlie, Savannah, Sophia and Peter Seal, Merle and Jeb Besson, and Laurel Neal. He was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin C. Seal Sr., and Mary Lou Seal and three brothers Buddy, Berry, and Wendell Seal. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home on Wednesday August 27, 2014 from 9am till service time at 12pm. Pallbearers will be Charlie Seal, Yancy Guerin, Troy Vosburg, Scott Maulding, Richard Xie, Yi Xin Luo, and Greg Beckstrom. Interment will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Ben was a graduate of Baton Rouge High School and Southeastern Louisiana University. Please visit www.greenoaksfunerals.com to leave condolences.

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July 2, 2020

ashleigh sharpe posted to the memorial.

May 16, 2018

Bill (Frank ) Asbell posted to the memorial.

June 18, 2017

Pete Kinney posted to the memorial.

ashleigh sharpe

July 2, 2020

Im very late on this; my dad George Sharpe aka Bo was telling me stories about all the mischief he and Benjamin had when they grew up together in Baton Rouge. My dad passed away in September of 2018. Im quite sure they are creating their own memories again heaven. Prayers

Bill (Frank ) Asbell

May 16, 2018

I looked up Benji today and was saddened to read of his passing. We went to Baton Rouge High, and had great times together. I remember his blue 56 Mercury with Smitty glass packs, and they could be loud. We would each put in a dollar fifty for gas , and cruise the drive-in burger joints (Alessies?) looking for girls He or his mom introduced me to peanut butter, banana, and mayonnaise sandwiches. It sounds really odd, but very good. Those were great times and I an sorry for his family's loss, Good Guys don't happen everyday!

Pete Kinney

June 18, 2017

I too had the pleasure of working with Mr.Ben for two yrs, learned a lot from him about Huey's was the highest time Huey pilot I have ever known. We stayed in contact via e-mail for years until his passing. Rest in peace my mentor and friend Mr. Ben.

Donald Spivey

June 7, 2017

I had the great pleasure of working for Ben as a pilot and later Chief Pilot for Southern Helicopters from 1978 to 1982. He was an exceptional pilot and all around great guy. The company was very small at that time and he didn't really need another full time pilot. However he agreed to hire me on a part time basis so I could attend LSU. I was able to get my degree only because he had a great deal of faith in me and I will always be grateful for his generosity.

Isabel Loret (Faust)

February 27, 2017

I think about Benji most every day when I drive down the River Road. He ran our helicopter company and was also a terrific friend

Tracey Dornier

February 26, 2017

I was thinking about Ben today and googled his name, sadly, to learn of his death. I would've loved catching up with him. Sadly, I can't. I am so sorry to learn of his death. Heaven gained a great Angel. Fly high, Ben!

Jim Bailey

September 19, 2014

Our deepest condolences to Colonel Seal's family and heartfelt prayers for all who loved him.
From another Vietnam Vet and his family.

L A

September 19, 2014

Thanks for your service to our country. RIP.

Buddy Goatcher

September 5, 2014

Last time I saw Ben Seal he took me in his house and I ended up carrying out a large box filled with his canned/bell jar figs, plums, etc... and he invited me to come back and go with him to Texas to shoot pigs out of a helicopter at a friend's ranch. I regret I never followed up on the deal. Ben and his son Benjie provided helicopter services for wildlife work to my employer for 14 years. Benjie was the first Southern Helicopters pilot to fly me over an oil spill and haze birds, thereby saving hundreds back in '97 or '98. Over the years we and primarily Reggie, Mike and Ben developed some innovative uses for helicopters to save wildlife I think not possible with government helicopters or other providers. These uses are featured on the internet. Ben was especially helpful on the Hurricane Katrina responses, developing original rigging and methods to sling our boats and ATVs into remote inaccessible locations. Flying with any of the Southern Helicopter pilots was always a safe and expert event, but flying with Ben at the stick. . . . well. . . it was nothing short of a once in a lifetime experience. Myself and a half-dozen other wildlife biologists on my crews will miss Mr. Seal and cherish the time we spent with him in the air and on the ground. Buddy Goatcher, Flippin, AR

Buddy Goatcher

September 5, 2014

Last time I saw Ben Seal he took me in his house and I ended up carrying out a large box filled with his canned/bell jar figs, plums, etc... and he invited me to come back and go with him to Texas to shoot pigs out of a helicopter at a friend's ranch. I regret I never followed up on the deal. Ben and his son Benjie provided helicopter services for wildlife work to my employer for 14 years. Benjie was the first Southern Helicopters pilot to fly me over an oil spill and haze birds, thereby saving hundreds back in '97 or '98. Over the years we and primarily Reggie, Mike and Ben developed some innovative uses for helicopters to save wildlife I think not possible with government helicopters or other providers. These uses are featured on the internet. Ben was especially helpful on the Hurricane Katrina responses, developing original rigging and methods to sling our boats and ATVs into remote inaccessible locations. Flying with any of the Southern Helicopter pilots was always a safe and expert event, but flying with Ben at the stick. . . . well. . . it was nothing short of a once in a lifetime experience. Myself and a half-dozen other wildlife biologists on my crews will miss Mr. Seal and cherish the time we spent with him in the air and on the ground.

Eva Ramsay

September 5, 2014

Benjie, Everyone from your engineering days want you to know that we were so sorry to hear about your father. Your family is in our prayers.

Jerry Edwards, Austin Jet

September 4, 2014

Benjie, on behalf of everyone here at Austin Jet and myself, we wanted you to know how sorry we were to hear about your father. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. By all accounts he was a unique individual, a true “old school” character, and a respected pioneer in aviation. He will certainly be missed!

Grant Metsger

September 2, 2014

Ben taught me to fly helicopters in the mid 70's and I learned more than just flying from him. He remained a dear friend ever since. I thank God that I was able to stop and visit with him in March on my way thru BTR. Ben my friend, I will miss you. I guess I will have to wait to see you again for that helicopter flight you promised me. Benjie, if you ever need anything don't hesitate to call on me. Your dad was a one in a million!!

Pete Kinney

September 1, 2014

I had the pleasure of working with Mr.Ben and his son Benjie in 05 & 06 Mr.Ben and I even got to take check rides together with the USFS in Montana, he was a true professional and had more flight hrs than any pilot I had ever met. Over the yrs and up to the day before his passing we had been exchanging e-mails and I will miss his wit and passing of so much information as I'm sure others will. My sincere condolences to his family. I'm sure Mr.Ben the Lord will be there to meet you upon landing from this final flight.

August 30, 2014

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Sheri Frey-Melton

August 27, 2014

Ben was my favorite family member on the Seal side of my high school sweetheart Berry, Jr's family. When I worked at WBRZ it was so cool to see him come & go in his hilo! The Seals opened my eyes to Aviation & for that I am greatful & I know our paths crossed then & will again. Your presence on earth will be missed & thank you for your legacy. May our Lord comfort your loved ones.

August 27, 2014

Prayers to you and your family, Benjie. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Chuck Harris
Zachary

Margaret Wild

August 27, 2014

In 2011 BRHS had its 50th reunion, I sat with Ben and we revisited our past since Bernard Terrace Elementary. I am so glad we had this time to reconnect. He was proud of his home in Sunshine, LA. and invited me to visit. He was a good man. My condolences to his family.

August 27, 2014

Prayers to your family! God Bless you, may you rest in peace!

Stacey Myers

August 27, 2014

Love you all. Sending prayers for everyone in this time of need.

Leo Honeycutt

August 27, 2014

Ben was the best chopper pilot I ever knew, fun but meticulous. He spent most of his life up in the sky. Now he's flying unfettered. Godspeed, Ben.

Bettye Virginia Howell

August 27, 2014

Go,rest high on the mountain with the Father and the Son.

Through Jesus Christ,you have defeated the enemy.

Gregg Dupuy

August 27, 2014

Leah, I'm really sorry for the loss of your dad. Ben was fine man. Though I only lived next to him for a short time, Ben made a lasting impression on me. Very very nice man. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Stephen O:Conner

August 26, 2014

Benjie. you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Stacey Myers

August 26, 2014

We love you all so much! We all know how hard it is to lose a father. We will contact to keep your entire family in our prayers during this hard time. If yall need anything, even to just pick up the phone and talk it doesn't matter what time don't hesitate. Again we love you all! You are all in our prayers!

Marcie Duke

August 26, 2014

Goodbye my dear friend...I will miss you greatly..My thoughts and prayers go out to all family and friends..I am comforted knowing that you are in the arms of our Savior Jesus..RIP
Marcie Duke

Bart Morgan

August 26, 2014

Ben gave more to his community than people will ever know. A great neighbor & friend, who was always willing to help.He will be surely missed.

August 26, 2014

Dear Ben, so sorry about your Dad. You know how special he was to my family of McMurrays. Work prevents my presence, but please know I am there in spirit:). Pat

Larry Pearson

August 26, 2014

Benji. Please pass my condolences to the rest of your family. Ben and I flew together for a few years with Mobil before he went out on his own. He was a good man, a good pilot and a good friend. It was my pleasure and honor to have worked with him for a few short years. May God's comfort be with your mother, you and the rest of the family.

Josue Ramirez

August 26, 2014

Great friend,
you will be missed,
Josue.

Kevin Smith

August 26, 2014

R.I.P friend. I will miss sharing gunbroker "deals" with you! (Benjie and I shared a love of firearms, especially 10mm.) Sending prayers to your family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Robert Minnick

August 26, 2014

Most of my Memories of Ben were from when I was growing up with his son in the 70's and 80's. He was a colorful and sometimes complex person for the younger me. Wish I had a chance to get to know him better in more recent years.

Johnny Marbury

August 26, 2014

My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends.

Darrell Hatchell

August 26, 2014

Benji sorry for the lose of your farther. Our prayers are with your family.

ROBERT MOREAU

August 26, 2014

I'm filled with a real sense of loss at Ben's passing. He was my friend since the 1960s from both Co D 20th SF and our shared passion for Skydiving. My heartfelt condolences are extended to his wife, children & other family members. My wife and I will say some prayers for him. I will miss him.

Kema

August 26, 2014

Ben was one of a kind! Godspeed, my friend.

Michelle McMurray Brooks

August 26, 2014

I am so very sorry. He was a BIG part of my life growing up as you all were. I loved him very much. He and my Daddy were very close... they are creating havoc up there (flying under bridges and landing on football fields). Please let me know if I can do anything for you. My prayers are with all of you.

Jamie Politz

August 26, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with Ben's family and close friends at this most difficult of times. Although I have not seen Ben in many years, I remember him well and his gracious smile and laughter.

Liz Farris

August 26, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Beverly Rachal

August 26, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. It is much to soon for this time to come. Love to all of you.

Bill Swanner

August 26, 2014

Ben Seal was without doubt the most unique boss in my career. I will never forget him and my time at Southern Helicopters.

Pam Browning

August 26, 2014

My condolences to the family. Ben was always a good friend and my girls and I will love him always.

Ensley Duke

August 26, 2014

My heartfelt condolences to the Seal family during this time. My prayers go out to you all. The Dukes

Art coyne

August 26, 2014

My sympathy to family and friends.

Liling Xie

August 26, 2014

Ben, you will be missed, we had so many good memories with you and Mei, we can not forget about the smoke you made for our dance, we cannot forget the firework you did for us, lots of good memories, RIP, LOVE

Annika Keslick

August 26, 2014

My sincere condolences to the family. May he rest in peace.

Clyde O'Neill, FAA (Retired)

August 26, 2014

I've known the Seal family since the 50's and Ben was one of the greatest aviators with whom I've been associated.

Anniversary Dinner

August 26, 2014

Charlie, X & C

August 26, 2014

Sorry to learn about Ben's death. We will miss him---our visits, thanksgiving, conversations and above all the volumes of e-mails. Too bad he couldn't live to see the conclusions.... RIP

Karen Morgan Toups

August 26, 2014

I grew up right around the curve from Ben and have many fond memories of him. I skipped school one day and he let me ride with him in his helicopter...pretty cool. He was such a strong man and had a heart of gold. My condolences go out to his family. Rest in peace Ben, fly high with the angels.

Isabel Loret (Faust)

August 26, 2014

I've known Benji since our Baton Rouge High days, but really got to know him in the late 70's when he ran our helicopter company. What a guy! He will be missed by many. His family has my deepest sympathy

Don and Susan Neal

August 26, 2014

Sympathies to the host of family and friends who knew and loved Ben.

Kristy Pochè

August 26, 2014

Sorry for your loss. He was one of our patients at Adavnced Eye Center for many years. He intimidated me at first, but once I got I know him, he was a friend for life. Rest in peace Ben.

Mike Lau

August 26, 2014

I worked for and with Ben for 5 years. He was a tough but fair man. He invited me to his home for good conversation and advice. Ben was a true pioneer. I will miss him.

Sandra Atkinson Taylor

August 25, 2014

I graduated from BRHS with Ben. He was a great friend and and wonderful person. He will be missed.

Jim Hattaway

August 25, 2014

Ben will surely be missed. He was my friend and a fellow helicopter pilot. My deepest condolences to his family.

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Greenoaks Funeral Home & Memorial Park

9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815

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Sign Benjamin Seal's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 2, 2020

ashleigh sharpe posted to the memorial.

May 16, 2018

Bill (Frank ) Asbell posted to the memorial.

June 18, 2017

Pete Kinney posted to the memorial.