Seab DuVall Jr.

Seab Edgar DuVall Jr. VIRGINIA BEACH - Seab Edgar "Frenchie" DuVall Jr. departed this life at home with his family Nov. 5, 2008. He was a devoted and faithful husband, father and grandfather who is now at rest in the presence of God almighty. Frenchie was born July 15, 1924, in Van Buren, Ark. He lost his own father at age 9 and was reared by his mother. Upon graduation from high school in 1942, he enlisted in the United States Navy and fought in World War II as a member of this country's Greatest Generation. A naval aviator, he flew combat missions in the Philippines and over China while stationed aboard USS Wasp, Essex and Midway. Frenchie survived crash landings off Pearl Harbor and in the South China Sea. He received his honorable discharge to inactive duty from NAS Norfolk in 1946 but continued to serve his country in the reserves, ultimately being transferred to the Retired Reserve as a commander in 1968. It was in Norfolk that Frenchie met the love of his life, Doris Raper, while attending St. Helena Annex of The College of William & Mary. The couple was married in September 1947. Doris would remain his loving wife for 61 years. They were partners until the last moments of his life, sharing a wonderful and full life together. Upon graduation from William & Mary, Frenchie and Doris moved back to Norfolk where he began to practice as a CPA with Frederick B. Hill & Co. He would continue with that firm until his retirement, serving for a number of years as the managing partner. The highlight of his career was his tenure as the president of The Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants. Following retirement, he was a founding member of Bayville Golf Club and served as its first treasurer. He was also active in his churches and for many years was the senior warden at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Throughout his life, Frenchie was respected for his integrity, ability and steadfastness. He was never a man to mince words. He was, more importantly, a man of his word. Frenchie is survived by his wife, Doris Raper DuVall and his only child, Randolph C. DuVall and wife Leslie, all of Virginia Beach. He is also survived by his two beautiful granddaughters, Stephanie Elizabeth DuVall of Arlington, Va., and Jacquelyn Astin DuVall of Charlottesville, Va.; his older sister, Kathleen DuVall Milami of Sacramento, Calif.; and his two brothers-in-law, Paul Raper and Robert Raper. In 2003, Frenchie suffered a major stroke that left him with physical and cognitive impairments. He never exhibited bitterness nor did he ever reflect an attitude of feeling sorry for himself. His grace and good cheer were a remarkable testament to everyone who came in contact with him and his later life was an inspiring witness for how to live. He never wavered in his resolve that life had been good to him nor in his devotion and love for his beloved Doris. To spend time with Frenchie and Doris was to see true and abiding love. As he often said, "Old Man Usta died and isn't coming back," by which he meant that you cannot live in the past and constantly complain because things are not how they used to be. To the end of his life, Frenchie was an upbeat man of uncommon wisdom and conviction. He was the most excellent role model that any child could ever have. The family would like to express its thanks to the caregivers whose love and dedication allowed Frenchie to remain home until death: Jody Hogan, Raymond Hernandez, Martha Rohde and Ara Faustino. A memorial service will be conducted Monday at 2 p.m. in Old Donation Episcopal Church with Dr. Robert J. Randall officiating. The family will receive friends in Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Bayside Chapel, Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.