Memories - Re: THSeay2

About our friend, and old NEWS ROOMie - 
THSeay2, Thomas Hardie Seay III

The end of pain - more excrucitating than any 50 men could bear due to a progressively degenerative series of back problems (including a spinal cord that was slowly closing), came for Thomas H. Seay III on June 9th, 2000.

His wit, sagacity, kindness, and caring touched all of us somehow. He was a generous and active participant, not without acerbic moments to be sure!, in our old favorite News Room. To some among us, he was the kindest, and most caring of friends... genuine and very "real". To everyone who paid attention, his intelligence was far above the norm.

Tom, ever given to be closed-mouthed about his life, lived it hard (work and play), and with aplomb. Above all, he was a gentleman of the 1st Order. He was a "man's man", dominant, and one of the greatest "teachers" - not only to some of us, but foremost among our military's ranks.
Tom seriously considered entering the Ministry, but opted instead for a degree in the Arts. He served in the Army following college graduation, and became one of the most formidable, "doggedly tenacious" members of SFOD-D (Delta Force). 

"The toughest jump is from Captain to Major", he once said. Tom retired as a "lifer", and became part of the NSA (National Security Agency) where he continued to work until the end. (Tom was one of 12 federal employees given permission to work from home.)

The pain he endured was horrific the last 30 months of his life, and intensified with time. He was unable to sit, stand or walk for more than brief periods... and spent most of the time flat on his back, alone, meditating, suffering, and fighting depression. He accepted the reality of his situation better than some of us did.

We have lost a good friend, a man who selflessly made a huge contribution to a country he loved, and who's greatest prayer and wish was for "Peace in the world." What God gave him, instead, was lasting peace and freedom from pain. The void, the emptiness without him will be felt by many who knew, liked, and loved him.
May his soul rest in peace, and rejoice among the Brigade of Angels who maintained a vigil of protection around him until the end.

Lynn-Claire (LynClaire1)

That was a fine tribute to a fine warrior. 

KuKluxClam

He was a great friend and a very nice person, and I'm sad that he suffered so much and for so long. However, he lived a good life and made a difference for our country; so he could go peacefully knowing that.

NancyRides