September 22, 2023, 85, Goldsboro —
Howard Daley Seymour, 85, was received into the loving arms of his Savior on Friday, September 22, 2023, at SECU Hospice House in Smithfield. Born in Wayne County on May 13, 1938, he was the son of the late Albert Gladys Seymour and Vonnie Jackson Seymour.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, James Lewis Seymour, Charles Edward Seymour, and Ralph Berkley Seymour; sisters, Latha Seymour Jones and Alberta “Faye” Seymour; and brothers-in-law, J. A. Jones, Billy Britt, and James Barrow.
Attending Brogden School through the first half of tenth grade, Howard graduated from Pikeville High School with the class of 1956. He attained his Associate’s degree from Mt. Olive Junior College in 1968. Finishing his education at Atlantic Christian College, he graduated cum laude on May 29, 1970. While in high school, Howard was voted the most talented out of his senior class in the Senior Class Superlatives, was a member of FFA throughout high school, and served as an officer beginning in his sophomore year. In 1971, he was named among the Outstanding Young Men of America.
Being raised with a strong work ethic, Howard began working as soon as he could walk. Growing up on a farm, there were plenty of jobs available for him to assist his father. His first paying job came at age 11 when he was hired to milk the dairy cows morning and evening on the Massey Farm in Dudley, NC. Carpentry skills came naturally for Howard, and he was so accomplished in his craft that he built a shelter on a farm building for Eugene and Arnold Perkins at age 16. As a senior in high school, he drove the school bus to Pikeville High School. Automotive work was added to his list of specialties after graduation, as he worked for James Harris Auto Body from 1958-1960 and Dan Ward Motor Company from 1960-1965. He was known for his abilities at front-end alignment, frame straightening, and as a general mechanic. He utilized these skills for employment, but also as a help to neighbors and friends.
As a Recorded Friends Minister through the North Carolina Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends in 1967, Howard pastored at Oakland Friends Meeting in Princeton, Oak Hill Friends Meeting in High Point, Woodland Friends Meeting in Dudley, and was the founding pastor of Mar-Mac Friends Meeting in 1986 where he continued to pastor until his death.
Howard was licensed as a plumber, a licensed contractor, and CEO of Seymour Construction Company, and taught carpentry for 11 years with Wayne County Public Schools. Beginning in May 1982 at Southern Wayne High School, he moved to Eastern Wayne High School in July 1986 and taught until August 1993. A true Renaissance man, there wasn’t a skill Howard encountered that he couldn’t master. In addition to plumbing, automotive, and building, Howard was also excellent at woodworking and cabinet making, furniture repair and refinishing, electrical, and welding. His hobbies showed profound skill as a vegetable gardener, cook, fisherman, barbeque pit master, collector of antiques, and personal painting and drawing.
The Lord not only called Howard to be a pastor, but he also provided him with many gifts to fulfill his calling. His sermon writing and poetry writing were beyond compare, and he was also blessed with a beautiful tenor voice to sing the hymns of the faith. His spiritual gifts included the gift of discernment and the gift of prophecy. Through the gifts he was given and his willingness to share them, he was a Builder of the Lord’s Kingdom.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Seymour Funeral Home. A service to celebrate Howard’s life will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel with Ken Spivey presiding and assisted by Jake Bunn. Interment will follow at Wayne Memorial Park.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of UNC Health Johnston-Smithfield and SECU Hospice House for the exemplary care provided to Howard in his final days.
Howard is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Connie Barrett Seymour; son, Al Seymour and wife, Elizabeth of Advance; daughters, Vickie Boyette of Goldsboro, Tammy Bunn and husband, Duane of Pikeville, and Jessica Brintle and husband, Jacob of Raleigh; grandchildren, Brittany Dublin and husband, DiAndre, Jake Bunn and wife, Chelsea, Ryan Bunn and wife, Lydia, Cody Bunn, Matthew Boyette, and Estelle Brintle; great-grandchildren, Wyatt Bunn, Jase Bunn, Brooklyn Dublin, Zuri Dublin, and Ayden Bunn; sisters, Viola Seymour Britt and Iola Seymour Barrow; and sister-in-law, Donna Deaver Seymour.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to
Mar Mac Friends Meeting
1954 Old Grantham Road
Goldsboro, NC 27530
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
