Michael "Mike" Wayne Seale

Michael Wayne Seale, 60, passed away at home on Sunday, February 23, 2025. Michael was born on March 20, 1964 to parents Hank and Sylvia in Birmingham, Alabama. He had an older sister, Shirley and grew up in Birmingham. Mike, as he was known to many friends and family, attended Homewood High School (class of 1983). One of his favorite high school memories was attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in November 1981, as the Homewood High School Marching Band Manager; that year, the HHS Band led the parade! Besides his involvement in the band, he was also a singer in the HHS choir. Growing up, Mike and his family attended Raleigh Avenue Baptist Church in Homewood.

In school, Mike was quite sociable and had a wide array of friends. One of these friends, Karen Hallman, set him up on a blind double date at the Alabama State Fair with a blonde beauty who attended Briarwood Christian School, Kimberly Jo Benson. This date eventually led to Mike asking Kim to go to his senior prom with him. Although they drifted apart some after high school, they remained good friends through their mutual friend, Karen. Mike frequently asked Karen about her over the years, and eventually, he worked up the nerve to call Kim to ask her on a date. She was delighted to hear from him and they had their first date at the Alabama Theater to see Gone With the Wind. They started dating steadily and became engaged later that year. They married December 4, 1986. He lovingly raised three children with Kim: Brandon, Kayla and Nathan. Mike was a longtime employee of AFG Glass. He started as a truck driver delivering glass throughout the southeast region and eventually became a part of the supervisor team. After retiring from AFG, he was heavily involved with caring for Kim during her 15-year long battle with stage 4 breast cancer. He and Kim shared a loving marriage until her death in 2017.

Mike did not know a stranger. He had kind eyes and a warm smile wrapped in a white beard. If you were willing to listen and had time to spare, he was known to have a (heavily detailed) story to tell. He was a jack of many trades and could offer some advice on just about any topic. Mike loved traveling to Florida beaches, visiting family in Tennessee and Disney World.

Mike was a lifelong Auburn fan – he and his son Brandon would always catch up over the latest games. He frequently went to see movies with his son Nathan and would especially look forward to the newest Marvel or DC superhero movie. Mike was always willing to support his grandchildren at their school, sporting and social events and would often be found proudly wearing a sweatshirt or t-shirt emblazoned with a child or grandchild’s school or alma mater. He frequently spent time at his daughter Kayla’s home and was heavily involved with the day-to-day activities of his granddaughters. He loved going to eat at restaurants with his mother and stepfather, Glen. He would regularly take his mother-in-law, Ruby Jo Benson, to appointments, but would often go over to her house just to talk or help with small chores. Mike was the true epitome of a man with a servant’s heart. He selflessly gave his time, his energy and his talents to his family; he did this happily, and often. Mike loved his family and the important role he served in it. He felt so much of his life’s purpose was simply being present for his family and his family deeply misses his selfless, warm and kind presence.

He is survived by his mother, Sylvia Arnold (Glen); sisters Shirley Chumley (Rusty) and Marty Horlick (Paul); children Brandon Seale (Bethany), Kayla Watson and Nathan Seale; grandchildren

Angelina, Sadie and Emily Watson and Clara and Truman Seale; a large extended family and friends; and his beloved dachshund Clover. Mike is preceded in death by his father, Hank Seale and wife, Kim.

Wake and funeral services will be on Friday, February 28 at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124. Visitation will start at 1:00 pm until funeral service at 2:00 pm with graveside service to follow. Mike loved gardening and was quite proud of his green thumb, so flowers are encouraged.