Bob Sealy Obituary September 23, 1948 - July 2, 2024
A celebration of Bob Sealy's extraordinary life will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Jasper, Texas. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 PM on Monday, July 8, 2024, at Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home in Jasper, Texas. Bob, age 75 of Sam Rayburn, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Tyler, Texas.
A lifelong resident of Rayburn Country, Bob, along with his wife Donna, was the beloved owner and operator of Sealy Outdoors for over 48 years. Prior to Sealy Outdoors, Bob served his community as the owner of Pineypoint Grocery at Sam Rayburn and as a former real estate sales manager.
In the 1980s, Bob began competing in Bassmaster tournaments which played a pivotal role in the four decades that would follow. Bob dug into his own pocket to get Ray Scott, founder of B.A.S.S. to bring the pros to town and put the Sam Rayburn area on the national fishing map. He was a true pioneer in the fishing community, creating the original hourly big bass tournament event in the 1980s to reward amateur anglers. As the visionary founder of the Big Bass Splash tournaments, Bob attracted thousands of anglers from across the nation, rewarding more $30 million in cash and prizes as of 2024.
Bob's legacy extends beyond his tournaments. He used his platform to raise millions of dollars for charities such as the Ronald McDonald House and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, reflecting his deep commitment to giving back to the community.
In 2014, Bob's contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the Legends of Outdoors Hall of Fame and then in 2017 inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the fishing world and his dedication to fostering a love for the sport in others.
Bob Sealy's life was one of passion, innovation, and generosity. He touched the lives of thousands through his work and left an indelible mark on the community he loved so dearly. His legacy will live on through the many lives he enriched and the sport he helped to elevate.
Bob is survived by his wife, Donna Sealy of Sam Rayburn, Texas; sons, Tim Sealy and wife Melanie of Phoenix, Arizona and Brandon Sealy of Sam Rayburn, Texas; daughters, April Allen of New Orleans, Louisiana and Nicole Sealy Bennett and husband Chris of Sam Rayburn, Texas; brother, Shannon Rodgers and wife Lillian of Orlando, Florida; sisters, Nina Pool and husband Wendell of Mexia, Texas, Charlotte Posey and husband John of Mexia, Texas and Brenda Eakin of Tyler, Texas; five grandchildren Sarah Allen, Emma Seaton and husband Brandon, Jake Bennett, RaLea Bennett and Ava Rose Bennett and four great grandchildren, Charlee Seaton, Stella Seaton, Isabel Little and Dean Little and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a host of family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Molly Sealy.
Memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by clicking the links below:
“You ain’t seen nothing yet”
Services are under the direction of Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home of Jasper.
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