Joseph Dunkin Seale

Joseph Dunkin Seale, 94, of Valley View, passed away December 9, 2025.

Joe was born to Stone and Grace Seale on January 30, 1931, in Waurika, OK. He grew up as a small-town local boy and graduated from Waurika High School where he excelled in sports, especially football, where he lettered all four years, capturing several district and state honors. After Joe’s freshman year at Oklahoma City University, he went to work for Radio Geophysical Co. (San Antonio) as member of a surveying team. While on a job in Sonora, TX, Joe met his future wife, Darlene Lovelace. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the US Army and was stationed at Ft. Bliss, TX (El Paso). While stationed at Ft. Bliss, even though weekend passes were cancelled, Joe found a way to get to his wedding ceremony at the home of a local minister.

After serving in the US Army during the Korean conflict, Joe and Darlene lived in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma. In 1961, Joe, Darlene and sons, Jim Bob and Gregory, moved to Gainesville where Joe managed the Gary Nees Lumber Yard. A long career in building materials would see the family move to Huntsville, Spring, and Dallas, before Joe and Darlene eventually retired to Valley View. It was here that he stayed busy maintaining their ranch and found a true passion in raising and training service dogs. He would bless others with his dogs, Rocky & Honey, taking them to visit the residents and staff at the VA hospital, local schools in Valley View and Gainesville and area nursing homes.

Joe was an active member of the Lion’s Club in Gainesville and Hillcrest Church of Christ, where he served as a Deacon and Elder.

Joe is survived by his son, Gregory Seale (Kimberly) of Whitewright; grandson, Garrett Seale (Kristine) of Little Elm; granddaughter, Abbey Beegle (Curtis) of Whitewright; grandson, Eddie Seale (Janet) of Valley View, great-grandchildren Edward and Ellie Seale; grandson, Kelly Seale (Shelly); great-grandchildren Darian, Ashlyn and Nick of Florida; daughter-in-law Valerie Seale of Richardson and her daughter Misti Mosteller of Dallas.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Stone and Grace (Dunkin) Seale; wife Darlene Seale; son Jim Bob “J.B.” Seale; and daughter-in-law Billie Seale.

A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m., at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home, Gainesville. Memorial contributions may be made to Dementia Society of America or American Heart Association.