Age 85, Luray, Va.
Charles Benton Seal, 85, of Luray, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Whispering Pines.
Charles was known as Charlie to his friends and family, Dad to his kids, and La La to his grandkids and great-grandkids. He was known as a kind, considerate, generous, fun-loving, witty, hardworking man with a steadfast love for Jesus.
He was born on March 12, 1940, in Jewel Hollow and was a son of the late John Samuel Seal and Dorothy Mae (Sours) Seal. On September 21, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Mayes Seal, who survives. He was a member of Forward For Christ Baptist Church in Luray, VA.
When he was called to serve in church ministry as a young adult, he left his career as a grocery store clerk, and took a job as the janitor at Ridgeview Baptist Church, Stuarts Draft, VA. His role at the church quickly changed and he served in various support roles to the pastor for many years. In 1978, the Lord called him to the mission field. He relocated his family to Harlingen, TX and worked with Wonderful Word Publishers until his father became unable to take care of the farm in Luray, VA. Charlie moved his family back to Luray to take over the farm operations of commercial poultry.
Being the dreamer and doer he was, and needing to subsidize his income, he got started in the septic business with the help of his best friend. In 1982, Seal’s Septic Service began, and the Lord has blessed his obedience, hard work, perseverance, and endurance over the years. Charlie loved the Lord and he loved music! He instilled that love in his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.
While there is a lifetime of information and stories to share, the greatest is that he decided to surrender to the One who created him, loved him, and was crucified for him so that he could have eternal life. Charlie never met a stranger. He either knew or was bound and determined to find out who you belonged to and if you were in “the book” (family genealogy book). But more importantly, he wanted to know if your name was in the Lamb’s Book of Life! Charlie has left an unfillable void in the hearts and lives of those who love him, but he is in the presence of His Heavenly Father and those who went before him. That is our comfort and hope!
In addition to his wife, Charles is survived by a daughter, Melissa “Missie” Seal and husband William “Billy” of Luray; a son, Charles “Kevin” Seal and wife Dominika of Luray; a brother, Isaac Seal of Luray; two sisters, Doris Moore of Luray, and Anna Mae Sours of Rileyville; 11 grandchildren, Maegan Raeside (John), William “Kyle” Seal (Jamie), Anna Howard (Benjamin), Bryce Seal (Savannah), Erin Price (Matthew), Jennifer Seal, Wyatt Seal, Kynlee Seal, Avery Seal, Hunter Seal, and Kaylee Seal; and seven great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Jaylin Raeside, Jackson Raeside, David Raeside, Lillian Seal, Riley Seal, Levi Seal, and Charley Jean Seal.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Forward For Christ Baptist Church.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the church by Pastor Josh Parlett, Pastor Frankie Hall, and Pastor Andy Seastrom. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Luray.
Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork St., Fourth Floor, Winchester, VA 22601
Arrangements are being handled by The Bradley Funeral Home in Luray, Va.
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