Clarence Seay Obituary

Clarence "Bunky" Seay

March 9, 2026

Clarence "Bunky" Seay died peacefully on March 9, 2026. The extra care and attention Bunky received in the last week of his life and recent days would have given him a conniption; however, a man who lived so well deserves to be celebrated. Bunky was the consummate gentleman: humble, kind, and courteous to everyone he met.

Born and raised in Greenville, SC, Bunky attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating and earning his commission in 1963. He served as a weapons officer in Vietnam aboard the U.S.S. New Jersey (BB-62) and retired as a lieutenant. In 1969, Bunky joined Eastman and moved his family to Kingsport. Other than a 6 year assignment in Zug, Switzerland, Bunky spent the next half century in Kingsport, building a career, raising his family and investing countless hours supporting the community. Following his retirement in 2000, Bunky spent his time woodworking, playing golf at Ridgefields Country Club, taking care of his lawn, and participating in the Kiwanis Club of Kingsport as both a member and president. Most importantly, he always took time to raise, teach, and play with his grandchildren. Bunky was a steadfast parishioner of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church; he served as a Junior and Senior Warden, and later became a charter member of its successor, St. Michael's Episcopal Church. He loved swimming and boating on Boone Lake, relaxing by the beach at Ormond by the Sea, reading crime and mystery novels, and, of course, volunteering around Kingsport, specifically feeding those struggling with hunger.

Bunky raised his children and grandchildren with a 'take care of one another' mindset. He exemplified that love and servant-mindedness and practiced what he preached, both with his family and in his surrounding community. Inspired by his beloved wife Margot, Bunky began "Impact Kingsport" in 2012 as Kingsport's first Chief Service Officer, an initiative set out to match skilled retirees with local companies, boosting small business mentorship and economic growth. He became president of Meals on Wheel of Kingsport, later earning the Mary Cunningham award for volunteer excellence. He packed food through Meals on Wheels and Second Harvest Food Bank on countless mornings, and delivered hundreds of meals to those in need.

Bunky was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Louis Seay, and his brother, Ed Seay.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margot Seay (who he referred to as his sweetie), daughter and son-in-law Kathleen and Don Donnellan, son and daughter-in-law Bill and Karen Seay, grandchildren Michael Donnellan, Victoria Seay, Liam Seay, and Maggie and Isaiah Reeves, great-grandchild Charlie Reeves, several nieces and nephews, and, of course, his best buddy, Lucky the Cat. We will miss our beloved, punctual, stubborn, hardworking, earnest Baba every single day.

Bunky's dedication to his family and community was incomparable and nothing would be a greater honor to his memory than inspiring others to serve their community. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the organizations to which Bunky enjoyed giving so much of his time: St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Meals on Wheels of Kingsport, or the Kiwanis Club of Kingsport.

The service will be conducted on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 3:00 pm at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 584 Lebanon Rd, Kingsport, TN 37663 with the Committal and military

honors to follow. Afterwards, please join the family in the Parish Hall for a reception celebrating Bunky.

Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an online condolence for the family.