William LeRoy Seeney — affectionately known as Bill — age 87, of Palm Coast, Florida, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Bill's passing has left a void in the hearts of all who loved him.

Bill was born an only child on Sunday, June 19, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Sarah (née Archer) and Richard Seeney. Bill was proud of his Black and Native American heritage. Growing up, he faced challenges marked by frequent moves due to economic hardship and family discord. Despite that, Bill developed a remarkable sense of independence and resilience. By the time he graduated high school, he had attended seven schools and lived in sixteen different homes. In 1955, at just 16 years old, he became the first in his family to earn a high school diploma.

It was during his high school years in Woodbury, New Jersey, that Bill met his lifelong friends —as well as his future wife, the beautiful and feisty Gail Wagner. High school sweethearts, Bill and Gail were married on Saturday, December 23, 1961, during a major snowstorm in Philadelphia. Though few guests were able to attend, their love endured for more than six decades. They raised 2 children - daughter Terri and son Joshua -  and made their home in Montclair, New Jersey for over 30 years before retiring to Palm Coast, Florida, in 2000.

In 1955, Bill received an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York — where he was the only Colored midshipman until 1958. During his time at the Academy, Bill served as a member of the Regimental Band, a judge on the Cadet Honor Court, a cadet officer, and the advertising manager for the Academy's magazine Polaris. He received multiple academic honors and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nautical Science and Marine Transportation. Upon graduation, he earned his U.S. Coast Guard Third Officer's License and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Bill sailed around the world and served aboard the destroyer USS Beatty (DD-756), based in Newport, Rhode Island. He joined the Masters, Mates, and Pilots Union in 1960 and received an honorable discharge after eight years of active and reserve duty.

Bill went on to earn an MBA in Marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey, in 1969. His professional career spanned more than three decades, beginning with the New Jersey Bell System (AT&T), where he broke barriers as a person of color becoming an executive in corporate America. He later joined Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, where he worked for 10 years before retiring in 2000.

Bill dedicated his life to helping others and advancing opportunities for African Americans and young people. His lifelong commitment to service extended beyond his career into civic, professional, social, and fraternal organizations. Among his many leadership roles:

~Adjunct Professor, Bergen County Community College (Management Curriculum), Paramus NJ (1991-1999)
~Past Board Chair, Urban League of Essex County, NJ (1995–1999)
~Vice President, NJ Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; Chapter President and recipient of both Chapter and District "Alpha Man of the        Year" (1996)
~Board Treasurer, Montclair Chapter of the American Red Cross; recipient of the "Comradeship Award" (1999)
~President, NJ Industry Liaison Group, a statewide corporate affirmative action association (1999–2000)
~Advisory Board Member, Essex County College Training, Inc. (1995–2000)
~Past President, Northern NJ U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Chapter
~Trustee, Union Baptist Church, Montclair, NJ

After moving to Florida, Bill continued his community engagement:

~Commissioner, Flagler County Housing Authority (since 2007)
~President, Union Montclair Housing Corporation, NJ
~President, Beta Delta Lambda Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Daytona Beach; recipient of the Chapter "Alpha Man of the Year" (2003)
~Recipient, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Chi Delta Omega Chapter "Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Service Award" (2012)
~Recipient, Alpha Phi Alpha Legacy Award (2025)
~Past President & Charter Member, Eagles Golf Club of Palm Coast (2011–2013)
~Past President, The Hosts of Palm Coast (2009–2010)
~Chairman & Gold Life Member, African American Cultural Society, Palm Coast; recipient of the AACS Meritorious Award (2010)
~Mentor & Charter Member, Flagler County Public Schools African American Mentoring Program
~Member, Flagler County NAACP, NE Florida Jazz Association, Cards 'N' Such, Men's "Books and Beyond" Club, and the USMMA Alumni      Association and Foundation

Bill loved Jesus and his family above all else! He enjoyed golf, jazz music, history, reading, and attending the Penn Relays — a tradition since his high school days. When he lived in NJ, he was a proud Jets football season ticket holder, and as a Philly native, he had an undying love for cheesesteaks and soft pretzels with mustard.

Bill leaves behind his devoted wife, Gail Seeney (née Wagner); daughter Terri Seeney-Majette (Eric); son Joshua Seeney (Dottie); granddaughters Jazmyne and LaReyna Seeney; grandson Justis Seeney; nieces Judy Burnett-Manning and Joelle Wagner-Lynch; nephew John Burnett; sister-in-law Gwen Burnett; and a host of cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing Bill's spirit lives on in the lives he touched. Mild-mannered, kind, and generous, he carried himself with quiet strength and grace. Though he began life as an only child, he built a vast family of love, friendship, and faith. His resilience turned adversity into purpose, and his legacy will continue to inspire others.

He will never be forgotten and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.