William Hays Seward

William H. “Bill” Seward died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 30. He had just celebrated his 96th birthday on May 20. Born in Carstiers, Alberta, Canada in 1919, Bill lived in Lufkin, the Rio Grande Valley, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth and was a resident of Katy, Texas for over 30 years. Bill was well-respected for his innovative work in the grocery business, having risen from store manager to general manager for Bonham Foods in Corpus Christi, started his own grocery stores in Corpus Christi, was general foods manager at Leonard’s in Ft. Worth and was general manager for Fiesta Markets in the Houston area during his career of over 70 years. Bill was a high-energy, positive-minded inspiration to those he knew and worked with. He described himself as a workaholic who loved his job. He was honored to be known as a man whose word was his bond, and for whom a hand-shake was as good as a signature.

In addition to his work life, Bill had many friends in his church and neighborhood for whom he grew an endless supply of tomatoes every summer. More recently, he valued the friendships he was making at his new residence, Carriage Inn.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille in 2001, and is survived by his four children: Philip Seward (MaryAnn) of Addison, TX; Randy Seward (Vicki) of Katy, TX; Teresa Gill of Frisco, TX; and Mary Bull (Paul) of Watsonville, CA. He is survived also by six grandchildren: Jana Seward, Kelly Seward, David Seward (Jenette), Mark Gill (Elaine), Steven Gill (Renee) and Judd Bull, as well as 5 great grandchildren: Brittany Seward, Henry and Stella Seward, and Harrison and Avery Gill.

A visitation will be held Sunday evening at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway at 6:00 pm. Funeral services are Monday, June 8 at 11:00 am at the Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Community, 1530 Norwalk Drive, in Katy. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to The Senior Gathering Place Ministry at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Community or the charity of your choice.