Larry Gardner Seamans

Larry Gardner Seamans, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Coldspring, Texas, on November 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Hamburg, Arkansas to Earl Jackson Seamans and Betty Lucille Gardner Seamans, Larry spent his early years there until 1952, when his family moved to Houston and settled in the East End, a community he always remembered fondly.
Larry attended Stephen F. Austin High School, where he played both basketball and baseball. Even as a teenager, he showed the industrious spirit that would define his life. He held a variety of jobs, running a paper route, selling peanuts and Cokes in the stands at the old Colt 45 Stadium, and working at a filling station. That filling-station job changed his life in more ways than one; it was there he met his first wife, Patsy Ann East, who lived just across the street. Larry and Patsy married in October 1959 and welcomed three children: Barbara Kay, Earl Jackson, and David Wayne. Though they divorced in 1973, they remained friends and connected through the family they built.
Larry began his lifelong career in the grocery business while still in high school, starting as a sacker at the Weingarten's Supermarkets. Through hard work, determination, and natural leadership, he rose to store manager and eventually District Manager, responsible for multiple stores. He later opened the Globe Supermarket in Galveston before going into business with partners, becoming the owner of several Gerland's Supermarkets, a produce company, a potato-packing company, a gas station, and a drycleaner. In 1980, Larry sold his interests and moved to Benndale, Mississippi, where he opened several country grocery stores. His enterprising spirit and commitment to serving his communities left a lasting impact on countless families who relied on his stores. He ran those stores until he retired in 2013 and moved to Coldspring, Texas to be near family.
Larry often credited a Dale Carnegie course and a speed-reading course he completed right out of high school as key influences on his success. A man of curiosity, discipline, and drive, he put those lessons to work throughout his life.
Outside of business, Larry was an avid sportsman who loved playing on baseball and softball leagues, golf, and fishing. He was an enthusiastic fan of both college and professional football and especially loved professional baseball, a love passed down from his father.
Larry was known for his love of music. He delighted in sharing a wide variety of genres with his children, instilling in them an appreciation for melody, rhythm, and the joy that music brings to everyday life. His taste in music was rich and diverse, ranging from Ray Charles, Charley Pride, Elvis, George Strait, Porter Wagner, Dolly Parton, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, and the Eagles to the timeless sounds of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
Most of all, Larry was a deeply loving family man who was kind, caring, and generous, especially to anyone in need. Family was at the center of Larry's world. His kindness, humor, and wisdom will be remembered by all who knew him.
Larry was a brave soul who stood up to the challenges of declining health to the very end. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. We take great comfort in knowing that Larry is with his Lord and Savior and all his family members and friends who have gone on before him. Larry's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his warmth, work ethic, and unwavering love for his family.
Larry is dearly loved and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him, but his spirit - full of strength, love, and a touch of mischief - will last forever. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, grand-parents, brother Kelsey Roy Seamans and wife Bonnie Faye Goff Seamans, brother Frederick Leon Seamans, Sr. and wife Barbara Jean Knight Seamans, sister Sherrell Ann Seamans, niece Karen Ann Seamans, and brother-in-law John Ray Pander.
Larry is survived by his sister Linda Rae Seamans Pander, daughter Barbara Kay Seamans Mitchum, and sons Earl Jackson Seamans II (Steven), and David Wayne Seamans; grandsons Darrell Wayne Mitchum (Aimee), Danny William Mitchum, Jr. (Ada), Glenn Lawrence Mitchum, Corey Wayne Seamans, Cody Wayne Seamans (Ana), Brandon Wayne Seamans, and Joshua Adam Frankland (Lilly); granddaughters Christina Renee Seamans and Ashley Renee Prade; great-grandsons Jonathan Blake Mitchum, Danny William Mitchum III, Brayden Wayne Michum, Tyler Gage Mitchum, Damien Cote, and Matthew Jude Roberts; great-granddaughters Leslie Cote, Cydnei Paige Mitchum, Shaye Elizabeth Mitchum Tyson (Andy), Abby Danielle Mitchum, Emma Grace Mitchum, Ella Rose Frankland, Edie Mae Frankland, Florance Ada Frankland, Poppy Olivia Frankland, and Ana Sophia May Seamans; nephews Shawn Phillip Pander (Beth), Patrick Stephen Pander, and Frederick Leon Seamans, Jr.; nieces Kimberly Ann Seamans DeLatin (Mark), Carolea Ann Seamans Trusler (Bruce), and Jonna Bett Pander; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, and a host of loving cousins and friends all of who will continue to honor his memory by carrying forward his values of hard work, love of family, and generosity.
Family and friends are invited to visitation and funeral services on Friday, November 14th, at San Jacinto Funeral Home located at 14659 East Fwy, Houston, Tx 77015.