Frank L. Seal, Jr., 1929-2003

  The Rev. Frank L. Seal Jr., 73, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2003. He was born in Chesterfield County, Virginia, on June 26, 1929. He had an honorable discharge from the United States Navy in 1953. He was an ordained United Methodist minister serving Mt. Airy Charge in the Lynchburg District in 1962-1964; Prospect UMC at Mechanicsville in 1964-1966; Bethlehem UMC at Bena in 1966-1970; Lower Middlesex Charge at Hartfield in 1970-1972; Shiloh UMC on Gwynns Island in 1972-1976. In June of 1976, he became the full-time director of Hopesville Ranch for Boys. Rev. Seal was the founder of Hopesville Ranch for Boys that started in 1968. He has received numerous awards and plaques for his work with youth; Book of Golden Deeds from Exchange Club of Warwick, Newport News; recognition from the Hampton Sertoma Club on 1975; Ft. Eustis Chapter of the Protestant Men of the Chapel, 1976; was awarded a plaque for the leadership provided in establishing Hopesville Christian Academy. He was past president of Virginia Association of Children’s Homes; president of Gloucester Ministerial Association; Also president of Middlesex Ministerial Association, and Mathews Ministerial Association.

  He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Ruth H. Seal of Dutton; a son Ralph W. Seal, his wife Lisa of Lynchburg; two daughters Sheila S. Boettcher, her husband Gerald of Dutton, and Joyce S. Clarke, her husband Donald of Dutton; four grandchildren Emily, Caleb, Joshua, and Sarah. His brother Beverly Seal, his wife Barbara of Florida; and a sister Barbara S. Blankenship, her husband Billy of Richmond.