E. B. "Gene" Seale

E.B. “Gene” Seale, respected CPA, Navy veteran, and longtime North Dallas resident, completed life’s final puzzle on June 3, 2025.

 

Born on January 5, 1938, in Alice, Texas, Gene grew up in Corpus Christi and graduated from W.B. Ray High School in 1956. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas in 1960, where he served as Treasurer and House Manager of Sigma Nu Fraternity. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy and earned his wings as a Naval Aviator in 1961. Flying P-2s and P-3s out of Patuxent River, Maryland, he proudly recalled those five years as “the best of my life.”

 

After his military service, Gene was hired by American Airlines in 1965 and flew DC-7s and Electras out of Boston’s Logan Airport before transferring to Dallas, where he continued flying out of Love Field. In 1968, he married Pamela Searls, a flight attendant with American Airlines. They settled into their home on Lafayette Way in 1970 and welcomed their son, Johnny, in 1975. Tragically, Pam passed away from cancer in 1988.

 

In 1976, Gene faced a major health challenge when a coronary bypass saved his life but ended his flying career. Undeterred, he pivoted toward a new profession. He earned his MBA from North Texas State University and passed the CPA exam, embarking on a second act as a highly regarded accountant. Gene worked for the IRS, partnered in the firm Mayrath & Seale for 15 years, and later operated his own practice, Gene Seale, CPA, in North Dallas. A longtime member of the Cooper Aerobics Center, he credited fitness and faith for sustaining a vibrant and purposeful second chapter.

 

In 1996, love taxied back onto the runway when Gene met Alice Zimmerman. They married soon after and spent nearly three decades sharing in travel, laughter, devotion, and the joy of family life.

 

Gene gave back to his profession and his community with characteristic generosity. He served as President of the Dallas Chapter of CPAs, a Director of the Texas Society of CPAs, and a popular speaker at professional seminars. In civic life, he contributed to numerous City of Dallas committees, served on a Dallas County Grand Jury, and was a member of the DCAD Review Board.

 

A devoted member of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Gene sang with spirit in the pews and led a dedicated Meals on Wheels team serving the Washington Street neighborhood.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Becky Seale of Corpus Christi, and his brother, William Agee Seale. He is survived by his beloved wife, Alice Zimmerman Seale; his son John Eugene Seale and daughter-in-law Carley Seale; and his cherished grandsons, John Beck Seale and Earnest William Seale.

 

Gene made his final takeoff from this world in peace—and departs with no rancor, only love. Memorial services will be held at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church on Monday, June 9 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, Gene would like a donation of your time and support to the VNA Meals on Wheels program.