Cecil Wayne Seal Sr.
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On February 27, 2021, Cecil Wayne Seal Sr. went to his heavenly home at age 92. He was born to William Lonzo and Ella Haymore Seal on Haystack Road, Mount Airy, NC. He was preceded in death by sisters, Helen Seal Hayes, Alice Seal Horton and brothers; Robert, Roger, Herman and Oliver Seal. He is survived by Bessie Seal Johnson, youngest sister. He leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years, Margaret Covington Seal, Daughters, Sandra Seal Fuller, Donna Seal Rosenzweig and husband Roddy. Also left behind, son, Cecil Wayne Seal Jr. and wife Kim Seal.
He is also survived by great-granddaughter, Cecelia Rose Clarke, granddaughter Katherine Brett Clarke and husband Mike; grandsons, Gabriel Page Fuller, Cecil Wayne Seal III, and Geoffrey Seal.
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served as seaman 1st class radioman at Barbers Point Naval Air Station, Hawaiian Territory, 1946-48. After his service he returned to NC and began a career with Roses stores. He subsequently opened and managed the first Roses store here in Wilmington at the then New Hanover Center in 1956.
After being promoted to Buyer, he moved his family to Roses headquarters, Henderson, NC in 1970. In 1975 he acquired Newell's Department Store, of Wrightsville Beach as owner/operator. He also expanded his business interests to surf shops in Holden Beach and Long Beach, NC. Prior to these enterprises he was also part owner/operator of Johnnie Mercer's Pier.
Upon retirement he and wife, Margaret returned to his beloved mountain home spending happy days with adoring grandchildren who visited frequently. Eventually in 2005, they returned to Wilmington, still maintaining their mountain home as a vacation spot for family. A man rising from meager beginnings and the strong stock of the people of Appalachia, he was a self- made man who achieved success in his professional and personal life through sheer tenacity, perseverance, fortitude and hard work. His absence will leave a deeply felt void by so many blessed to know him. He was the beloved patriarch, guiding light and father figure of too many to mention. His positive, supportive impact and influence was felt by every life he touched. Cecil was truly an angel on earth. His legacy can only be described as one to aspire to in his wisdom, kindness and compassion for others. A special mention to his furry best friend, Finn. Fair winds and following seas, Cecil and the family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Kotz and Dr. Obiora along with their wonderful staff members at the Zimmer Cancer Center. Included in these special thanks are the loyal and committed caregivers of Eldercare and Lower Cape Fear Hospice.
Funeral Service will be private with burial at Antioch Baptist Church, Mount Airy, NC. Memorials may be made to Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 137 Antioch Avenue, Mount Airy, NC. 27030 or Lower Cape Fear Hospice Lifecare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington NC 28401.
Andrews Mortuary