Charles Seward

Charles Baldwin Seward, Jr. Charles Baldwin Seward, Jr., 84, formerly of Marion, Virginia, died peacefully on March 31, 2011, at home in Oxford, Pennsylvania. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Van D. Seward, he leaves behind three devoted daughters and sons-in-law, Sally Van Seward and Gary Duckworth of Frederick, Maryland, Marie and Chip Azzara of Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, and Dorothye and Chuck Brodersen of Richmond, Virginia. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters, Helen Dallen of Hendersonville, Tennessee, and Margaret Miles of St. Marys, Ohio, as well as many nieces and nephews. Born in Petersburg, Virginia, on April 23, 1926, to the late Helen Kevan and Charles Baldwin Seward, Sr., Charlie later moved to Marion, Virginia, and graduated from Marion High School in 1943. He earned an AB degree in Radio, Television, and Motion Pictures from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a member of the North Carolina Beta Chapter of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Charlie's college studies were temporarily suspended for World War II military service. He volunteered for the U.S. Army at age eighteen, and served honorably for two years in the European Theater as an infantryman in the 47th Regiment of the 9th Infantry Division. He participated in post-D-Day liberation operations in France, Belgium, and Germany. After marrying his dear wife Van in 1948, at the Bethlehem Chapel of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., Charlie completed his degree program, and went on to an accomplished professional career in film and broadcast production and management in several places in North Carolina, including key positions at WBTV and at Ayer and Gillett Advertising Agency in Charlotte. His entrepreneurial spirit and business sense led him to return with his family to Marion in 1962, to found Seward Broadcasting Company, Inc. and WOLD radio station. Subsequently, he was Purchasing Manager for Brunswick Corporation in Marion. In 1971, he and his wife took their daughters on a six-month odyssey to Spain, providing the family with the exciting, memorable, and enriching experience of living in a foreign culture. Upon his return, he began a career in real estate, establishing Seward Realty, Inc., where he worked until he retired to continue farming, spending time with his family, and doting on his grandchildren. Charlie led a life of service and commitment to his community and church. He was involved in many civic and volunteer activities in Marion. He was Assistant Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 198 and District Vice Chairman of the Mountain Empire District of the Blue Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He served terms as Director of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Rotary Club, President of the Board of Realtors, Town Councilman, and member of the committee that founded Smyth County Community Hospital. A frequent blood donor himself, he chaired Marion's Blood Bank. He was a founding member of the Settlers Museum of Smyth County. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Francis Marion Post #4667. When he lived in Charlotte, he was President of the Park Road Optimist Club. A dedicated member of the Christ Episcopal Church congregation in Marion, Charlie served in many roles there through the years, including choir member, Vestryman, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, and Lay Reader. He also was on the Board of Governors of Hemlock Haven, the former conference center of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. Engaging and personable, enterprising and articulate, Charlie can aptly be described as a modern-day Renaissance man. His interests were many and varied, and included American history, particularly the Jeffersonian and Civil War eras. He was an avid outdoorsman and relished every opportunity to spend time in the mountains. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, swimming, and boating. He was adept at home restoration and renovation and passionate about his vegetable garden. The funeral service, officiated by the Reverend Doctor Christopher Mason, will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Marion, Virginia at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, July 2, 2011. Interment will follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Marion VFW Post #4667. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 401 West Main Street, Marion, VA 24354, and designated for the Charles B. Seward, Jr. Memorial Fund. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory in Marion is serving the family.