White Sulphur Springs-Michael “Mike” Seams, with his wife by his side, departed this life on Friday, Mar. 15, 2019, after a long illness at the Commonwealth Assisted Living Center in Cedar Bluff, VA.
Born Aug. 21, 1951, in Lewisburg, he was the husband of almost 48 years to Francine Swann Seams, and was the son of Millard H. and Edith Evans Seams. He bore many titles… Man of God, Man of Great Moral Character, Spiritual Leader, Lover of Life and Family, Master of Hilarity, Outstanding Husband-Father-Son.
Michael spent his early years in Lewisburg and was baptized in the John Wesley United Methodist Church early in his life. Being the second oldest of eight children, he shared the chores and helped to care for his younger siblings.
Mike participated in almost every sport available to him with football at the head of this list. He attended Bolling School for his earliest education and moved to Lewisburg High School in his teen years where he was scholastically driven while achieving excellence in basketball and football. His leadership skills were evident as he was quarterback and led his football team to countless victories. As the schools consolidated, Michael moved to Greenbrier East High School and graduated in that first class (1969) with many accolades. He was a shining example for not only his younger brothers as to what a good, upstanding gentleman looks like, but to the young men at Greenbrier East and in the community.
Michael attended Glenville State College, later transferring to Marshall University where he graduated and received a bachelor’s degree. While at Marshall, Mike was received into the Omega Psi Phi fraternity where he met and bonded with many of his fraternity brothers. He also was introduced to the Prince Hall Masonic Temple and was soon accepted as a member.
Mike and Francine were wed in 1971 at which time they made their home in Huntington while Michael completed his education. After graduation, Mike was employed at Huntington Alloys where be gained his expertise on metallurgy to begin his very successful career. In 1977, the family which had now grown by two children, moved to Newark, DE, where Mike continued his career with the company in Wilmington, DE.
Michael became an avid fan of the Philadelphia 76ers and the Eagles… so much so that he referred to them as MY Sixers and MY Eagles. He was an avid fan of Muhammed Ali as evidenced by his countless trips to Ali’s camp in Pennsylvania… so often that Ali and Bundini Brown recognized him and would invite him and the folks he brought with him in for breakfast and coffee. Mike and brother, Wally and Mike’s friend, Cordell Blue appear a couple of times in the 30 X 30 piece on the history of Muhammed Ali.
His career moved to Charlotte, NC, in 1995 and after another eight years, crossed the State line into Rock Hill, SC.
Mike joined Hermon Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill where he broadened his Christian experience and became a member of the Presbytery to participate in the growth of the church. He sang in the choir as well being active in a group to help get weapons off the street and led the men in many other endeavors.
During his career, Michael not only travelled the country and abroad, made his mark on the metallurgy world, he was still a great Dad, Husband, and, by then, PaPa to four grandchildren. He and wife Francine along with a group of friends, habitually cruised the Caribbean to further enhance the relationships. Illness got the best of Michael and forced the move to West Virginia to enlist the support of his family for his care.
Those left to cherish Michael’s memory include: wife, Francine Swann Seams of White Sulphur Springs; son, Scott C. Seams of Akron, OH (Melissa); daughter, Coy J. Borders of White Sulphur Springs (Robert); grandchildren, Olivia Seams, Chase Seams, Nadia Borders and Yasmin Borders; parents, Millard H. Seams and Edith E. Seams of Lewisburg; sister, Miletta L. Burns of While Sulphur Springs (Michael); brother, Earl S. Seams of Greensboro, NC (Donna); sister, Cheryl R. Woods of Lewisburg (Jerry); brother, M. Keith Seams of Lewisburg (Janya Rene); brother, Wallace C. Seams of Dover, DE (Dawn); brother, Gerald Seams of Lewisburg (Susan); brother, Daniel Seams of Lewisburg (Jennifer); aunt, Amy Hickman of Roanoke, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A special recognition of Mike’s Late Uncle Lenwood and Late Aunt Janice Evans who made a very positive and profound impact on his life… Thank you, Lenny and Janice! Also recognizing his cousin who idolized him as a youngster, Rev. Dr. Joseph Evans.
Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 23, at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, White Sulphur Springs, with Rev. Greg Scott officiating.
Family and friends will be received from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the church on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Hermon Presbyterian Church, 107 Heckle Blvd., Rock Hill, SC 29730.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in White Sulphur Springs is in charge of arrangements.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com