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Paul Seay Obituary
November 16, 1949 - November 26, 2015
Raleigh
Paul H. Seay, 66, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away early Thanksgiving morning, November 26, 2015, after a long struggle with lung disease. Born November 16, 1949, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was the son of the late Paul and Jackie Seay.
He is survived by his daughter, Kim Marinus and her husband Scott of McLean, Virginia, his two grandchildren, Spencer and Kaylee Marinus; sister Judy Reeves of Oak Creek, Wisconsin; and brother Bill Seay of Spring Mills, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his wife Patty and his brother David Seay.
Paul graduated in 1968 from Howe Military School, Howe, Indiana, after which he served two years in the Army doing a tour in Korea. Upon returning home he found employment with the US Postal Service, initially as a letter carrier and later transitioning into maintenance where he repaired and maintained a variety of mail sorting machines.
After 35 years at the post office, Paul retired and started a second life, pursuing his love of photography. He joined the Carolinas' Nature Photographers Association (CNPA) where he became co-coordinator, helping to plan meetings and field trips. He attended the Rocky Mountain School of Photography in the summer of 2007 and thoroughly enjoyed dedicating an entire summer to photography. He spent many hours photographing at parks and events in the Raleigh area but was most drawn to the Outer Banks.
Paul became involved with the Red Cross in 2005 when hurricane Katrina devastated the Caribbean coastline, and stayed on for the next ten years, becoming part of the daytime Disaster Action Team, eventually becoming a team captain and serving in that role for the last seven years of his service. Paul was also known as the "official" Triangle Chapter photographer for Red Cross events and meetings. On some occasions he would be sent out to disaster sites to document the work done by the Red Cross. His hard work and dedication earned him the 2013 Poe Heritage Award, the Triangle Chapter's highest volunteer service award.
A memorial service will be held at the Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, on Monday, December 14, at 10:00 am. The family will receive guests immediately following. Burial in Raleigh Memorial Park will follow the reception.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Triangle Area Chapter of the Red Cross, 100 N. Peartree Lane, Raleigh, NC 27610.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Seay
Pat Moell
December 14, 2015
To Paul's Family,
I am so sorry that I missed Paul's memorial service. I did not learn about it until Monday afternoon. Paul was my neighbor, and I enjoyed our Thursday night get-togethers for dinner with our other neighborhood friends. I will miss Paul.
December 14, 2015
I became a Red Cross volunteer in Raleigh during Katrina and volunteered with Paul during that time and on DAT calls. He was a very kind and dedicated volunteer with a great sense of humor. He exuded calmness in the midst of chaos.
Louise Miller
Health Services
December 14, 2015
Thanks for your dedication to the Triangle Area Chapter, Paul. I knew I could always count on you any time, anywhere, under any circumstances. We'll miss your wit and your great photos. Margaret Powell
Ted Frechette
December 13, 2015
As usual, when the BOSS calls you answer You are missed already my friend.
Linda Suggs
December 10, 2015
When I checked my email tonight, I thought that I was mis reading the information about Paul. We were able to share the Veterans Day parade together in a small group of volunteers. Paul rest in peace. I am going to miss you.
Linda Suggs
Dini Roche
December 10, 2015
Working with Paul at the Red Cross on numerous disasters and also around the chapter, he was one of my closest friend and buddy.
He and I took a lot of pictures together, shared little quirky jokes, and he taught me a lot about the value of life, .
December 9, 2015
I worked with Paul on a few fire-calls but watched him a lot recording the work of the ARC. He was ALWAYS a nice guy.
Charles Richardson
Sharon Ashe
December 8, 2015
Rest in Peace Mr. Paul
Pat & Bob Le Roy
December 7, 2015
Nature always wears the color of the spirit. Talent transinds time. Shared joy of life and friendship is eternal.
Honoring your memory, dear friend...
John Berry
December 7, 2015
Paul, one of the finest rewards of my volunteer work with the Red Cross was my association with you. Your kindness, calmness, diligence, and humour were traits admired and emulated by others. I'll miss you; RIP my friend.
Sandy Stewart
December 7, 2015
Paul is a great inspiration to me as his dedication to help others shined through in all he did. His ability to turn his compassion into action with such grace not only touched my life but everyone he came into contact with through his service and more. We are forever grateful to have been a part of Paul's life, for him to so freely share his time and talent with us and to call him family through the Red Cross. We will miss you Paul.
Phyllis Bray
December 7, 2015
I loved working with Paul in the Red Cross. I can't image the Triangle Chapter without Paul--his compassion, hard work, sincerity, quiet diplomacy... and his ever present hat! He truly cared about everyone as reflected by his self-less service and dedication. Paul, you were a joy to serve with. You have tutored me well, and made an impact that will live on in my memory and life priorities.
Darryll Maddux
December 7, 2015
Paul, your passion and dedication to the Red Cross never waned. Through the good times, and more importantly, the tough times, you worked diligently and tirelessly to help those in need. My friend, your work here is done. Rest in peace, good and faithful Servant, well done!
Betsy Mitchell
December 6, 2015
Sending sincere condolences to the Seay Family during your time of bereavement and sorrow. I worked with Paul at the Raleigh P&DC- Westgate. He was a true gentleman and had a great sense of humor. We had great times over in the nixie unit. God bless the family and friends of Paul Seay
Margaret Knight
December 3, 2015
You are so missed by me, Paul. I will forever cherish all our memories and time spent together the past 12 years. I was so honored to be your MAK and Sweetie!!
Sam Upchurch
December 3, 2015
Paul, we had some fun times shooting on outings and a few photo ops that you and I took together. I was always in awe of your images which clearly reflected how much you put your heart into them. You were always a warm and caring person with everyone you met and always willing to help when possible. I will surely miss you my friend. My heartfelt condolences to your family and friends.
Wendy Samuel
December 3, 2015
I will miss Paul's quick wit and laughter. He had a great laugh. Your photos will live on...even the ones of me eating! Paul you will be missed.
Brian Womack
December 3, 2015
Paul, you were a great Friend, Humanitarian, Photographer, and Lover of life. I will always remember your dedication and passion, till we meet again!
Kathy Ellen
December 3, 2015
Thanks for all of the great pictures you took of the Red Cross events. They provide great memories for us. You will be greatly missed
Maureen Kinney
December 2, 2015
Rest in peace Paul. You will truly be missed by those lives you have touched. You were one of the first friendly faces I met when I joined CNPA. You were always so generous with your time and kind. Thank you. My condolences to the family.
2013 CNPA Annual Meeting w/Sam
Maureen Kinney
December 2, 2015
2013 CNPA Annual Meeting
Maureen Kinney
December 2, 2015
Annette Moon
December 2, 2015
You will be missed, gone too soon!
Jennifer Stockman
December 2, 2015
Paul, you will be missed. I enjoyed talking with you at CNPA outings and always loved your work! Rest in peace. Condolences to your family.
Jennifer Stockman
Bill Swindaman
December 2, 2015
I hope those visiting take time to view the photo gallery here on this page -- what a wonderful tribute to someone who loved photography and obviously enjoyed making beautiful and interesting images.
Susan Bailey
December 2, 2015
Paul - I will miss you so much. You have been one of my closest friends for many years. We shared so many photo adventures. Your kindness and sense of humor still make me smile. Thank you for all we shared.
Evelyn Cox
December 2, 2015
My kind friend Paul. You were too soon leaving us. Your beautiful photographs have astounded us. Your wisdom has led us. Your kindnesses have humbled us. Your hard work has shamed us. Your presence has honored us. I hope your family can understanding what a hole your leaving has left in our lives. I wish you and them peace. Evelyn Cox
Liz Mays
December 1, 2015
Dearest Paul, it was a blessing to know you through our work at the Red Cross. It is hard to imagine our DAT team without you. I wish your family peace and love.
Paul accepting the Triangle Area Chapter Red Cross Poe Heritage Award in 2013
Tracie Brown
December 1, 2015
Paul-words fail me when I think of how fun it is to know you and how much you've blessed my life. You're one of the first friends I made at the Red Cross and I will miss terribly not seeing you and swapping silly jokes. I know you are in a better place now, able to take pictures all over the world. Thank-you for your life and all you did for humanity!
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