Paul Garland Seals, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home Friday evening, November 4, 2011, surrounded by family and friends and supported by Compassionate Hospice.
Born in Soperton, Georgia, he was the son of the late Felston and Thurla Seals. Graduating from Soperton High School in 1947, he attended North Georgia College, in Dahlonega, Georgia and graduated in 1952. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Banking.
He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Army and served as platoon leader in an Infantry Rifle Company and later as an American Liaison Officer to the Republic of South Korea. He was awarded the Bronze Star for action in combat in North Korea. Later, Paul attended the Nuclear School for Officers at the Japanese Naval Academy.
After the war, he met and married, the former, Patsy Anne McCullough of Macon, Georgia, making their home in Gainesville. In Hall County, Paul was an active member in civic and business organizations throughout his life. His business career was highlighted by over twenty years at the First National Bank of Gainesville, where he was Senior Vice President, senior loan officer and Secretary to the Board of Directors. While there, he served as the Chairman of the North Georgia Bankers Association. After retiring from the bank, Paul was active in real estate in North Georgia, and subsequently returned to banking with Wachovia Bank and Century South.
Paul's true enjoyment, however, was his service to the community in a number of roles. He was an early Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Gainesville College Foundation and the President of the Small Business Development Association and, also, the United Way. Paul was Chairman of the Hall County Chapter of the American Red Cross, and was an annual "Christmas Bell Ringer" for the Salvation Army.
Throughout his life, Paul was an ever-present member of the First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville, Georgia, serving as a deacon and elder, but, most enjoyably as Sunday school teacher and a regular participant.
Surviving Mr. Seals are his wife of fifty six years, Patsy, his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Kathleen Seals, of Gainesville; and his daughter and son-in-law, Marianne and Rick Winn of Charlotte. Paul very much enjoyed his grandchildren, Caroline and Tram Williams, of Wilmington, N.C., Charlotte Ann Winn of Tuscaloosa, AL, Jack Seals of Clemson, S.C., and John Garland Winn of Charlotte, N.C.
Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 07, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Paul Evans officiating.
The Family has asked that in lieu of flowers to please remember the First Presbyterian Church, 800 S. Enota Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501 and Compassionate Hospice (www.chcmg.com) or a charity of your choice.
Little and Davenport Funeral Home of Gainesville is in charge of arrangements, 355 Dawsonville Hwy. Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-534-5201
Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com
