Leo Seay Sr.

On December 23, 1951, a smiling 10+ pound baby boy decided to make his grand entrance at Cook County Hospital in Chicago IL to the proud parents of Sezzie (Rogers) and Roscoe Seay Sr. They named him, Leo Seay. He was the youngest of nine children. He is affectionately known as “Cat Daddy.” Leo received an accepted Christ as his Lord and savior he enjoy fellowship at Calvary Church located in Naperville IL. He attended and graduated from Douglas elementary and Wendell Phillips high, where he attended the classroom reunions. At the tender age of 19 years old he became a salesman at Lauren Jo. He was very successful as his talent of outfitting was admired in sought after by such spiritual groups at the Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Spiritualaires, Soulstirers, The Emotions and many other groups along with the general public. He continued working under the leadership and owner Melvin Chavin, after being called to serve at the Chicago fire department, where he gladly served the citizens of Chicago for 34 years. Anyone who knew him was aware of his abilities at the firehouse where he served (TRK.7) true to form meals where each member gladly came to the table to eat when they heard “Chow!” They ate a slab of ribs, each collard greens corn on the cob and many other delicious meals. Leo was missed when he was on his time off. Leo along with Reggie Williams received a traveling trophy for first place and were highlighted in the Southtown newspaper for their ribs and chicken. Leo was an extremely hard worker and had many licenses and certificates as well as being an Emergency Medical Technician. Leo had a deep passion for music. He thoroughly enjoyed jazz, R&B, spirituals, country, rap and blues. He would DJ on weekends or during the week on his off days for his siblings while they played cards and party. He enjoyed good company and would invite his co-workers over to meet his family and join in on the fun. He often treated his siblings, nieces, and nephews to dinner, concerts and sporting events. He had an immense love for family. He also had a love for travel so much so that he would drive with his oldest brother Roscoe from New York to California and Canada to Mexico. Leo had a giving spirit. When asked to coach the boys softball team he didn’t hesitate. That year under his direction the team won 1st place. He had a knack of encouraging, developing, instilling peace, happiness, and joy among other positive attributes. Leo’s halo and smile remained with him until he received his wings on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 8:35pm in the arms of his wife Deborah. Leo’s spirit and loving memories shall live on through his family, friends, and coworkers. Leo was proceeded in death by his parents Roscoe Seay Sr. and Sezzie M. Seay, three sisters; Lucille, Hayes, Leola, Williams and Charlie Mae McGary, two brothers; Roscoe Seay Jr. and Freddy Seay. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Deborah Seay, three sons; Leo Seay Jr. (Felicia) of Dubuque, Iowa; Stephen Seay (Alexis) of Calumet City, Illinois and Vidal D. Thomas (Cathy), and one daughter; Michelle Thomes (Eric) of Green Cove Springs, Florida. Grandchildren; Donovan Terrell, Darion Terrell, Delvin, Terrell, Dai’marion Terrell, Breonna Doss, Dylan Seay, Lalia Seay, O’livia Seay, Leah Seay, Thomas L. Martin (Mary) of Atlanta, Ga.; Vidal M. Thomas Ir., of New York, Shakir D. Sims, Sr.; Jaquess Mason (South Bend, IN) Michele J. Rivera (Saul), Julius Thomas, Kimora Thomas and Kyree Thomas. Great Grandchildren: Dai’Lynn, Ahmaya buranda, Abrayah Martin, Abrianna Martin, Armani Martin, Sha’Kirah &, Shakir Sims, Jr.; Vzn &, Nova ; Jasire- Markese Markelis and Markeem Mason. Siblings: Sezzie Jackson-Dixon, Larry Seay and Anniebell Watson, 3 Sisters-In-Law; Barbara Seay (Roscoe); Theda Thomas, Priscilla Davis (Jerome). Special Family Members: Wayne MCGary (Ebony), Ralph Williams (Stephanie), Earl Williams (Tiffany), Ronnell Hayes, Ocie Seay and Aubral Seay. All of whom called & checked in on him. And a host of nieces, nephews & friends. Leo was a fireman’s fire fighter who learned & shared what he learned with others on the job and it showed. He was well respected and appreciated, He was truly a strong, caring, thoughtful, giving, wonderful devoted husband and father as well as friend to many. Rest in Peace Leo and may you

Leo Seay Sr.

December 23, 1951 - October 1, 2025