William "Bill" C. Seely, Jr.

William "Bill" C. Seely, Jr.

William “Bill” C. Seely, Jr., age 76, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, after a long battle with cancer.  Bill was born on Sunday, October 27, 1946, in Harrisburg to the late William C. Seely, Sr. and Elizabeth “Betty” Glover (Anderson) Seely.  In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his stillborn son, Jonathan Seely, and his brother, Samuel Seely.

As a child, Bill rode his bicycle all over Cumberland and York counties, and beyond, sometimes with his brother, Sam; sometimes with a friend.  Perhaps that contributed to his excellent sense of direction as an adult.  In Addition to his good memory for how to get to where he wanted to go, Bill had a knack for remembering who knew who, and what the relationship was between the people he had met.

In his younger years, Bill enjoyed playing chess, and would take his time making the next move.  He liked to win!  One of his favorite past times in recent months was playing cards – Euchre, Pinochle, and Phase 10 – with his new friends at Messiah Village.

Bill has always enjoyed sports.  He played soccer in college, and was a member of the Harrisburg Rugby team in the late 60’s and early 70’s, playing the position of hooker.  As a parent, he coached his daughter’s intermural softball team to a league victory, and also was a coach for his son’s midget soccer team.  When his children participated in sports, Bill was there cheering them on. An eagle scout, Bill was an assistant scout leader for several years. He also served as president of the band boosters at his children’s high school.

His lifelong love of cars, especially antique cars, led him in later life to become a member of several car clubs, including the Blue Moon Cruisers, AACA (Gettysburg Region), Central PA Triumph Club, and PACEntral Miata Club.

In his late 50’s, with the help and advice of a 70-year-old contractor, Bill added an addition to his home that consisted of a 2½ car garage with rooms above, a sunroom, and a multi-layered deck.  He did everything from the pouring of concrete, to placing shingles on the roof, including wiring, painting, and installing beautiful laminate flooring.

Born into Shiremanstown United Methodist Church (then Evangelical United Brethren), Bill has been a church member for 63 years, and has served in many positions, including youth teacher and lay leader.  He travelled with the youth on many mission work trips.

He worked for Central Dauphin School District as a teacher in 6th, then 5th grade for 34 years.  After retiring, he worked as a currier for a decade, and enjoyed making deliveries as far away as Iowa.

Family was of prime importance in Bill’s life, and he was a loving father, grandfather, and husband.

Bill’s survivors include his wife of 53 years, Bonita “Bonnie” Seely; his three children: Lisa Oren and her partner, Thomas Harner, Jr., of Williamstown; Megan Seely and her husband, Danilo Saytar, of Harrisburg; Matthew “Matt” Seely and his wife, Kelly, of Wormleysburg; his eight grandchildren: Amanda Cornnell and her significant other, Josh DeVeney; Brandon Cornnell; Drew Cornnell; Alexis Oren; Cheyne Oren; Luke Seely; Miles Saytar; Daisy Saytar; his two great-grandchildren: Gavin and Xander DeVeney; his three siblings: John Seely and his wife, Lynn, of Lake Wales, FL; Ann Elizabeth “Beth” Runk and her husband, Lenny, of Duncannon; Ruth Brown and her husband, Bruce, of Chesapeake, VA; his sister in-law, Judy Seely of Waynesville, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

All are welcome to join Bill’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service beginning at 1:00 p.m. all at Shiremanstown United Methodist Church, 125 East Main Street, Shiremanstown, PA 17011; with Pastor Jane E. Keller officiating.  Bill’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at his church immediately following the service.  Interment will follow the reception in Shopp Cemetery in Shiremanstown. Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Bill’s life can be made to Shiremanstown United Methodist Church, 125 East Main Street, Shiremanstown, PA 17011, www.sumc.info.

Bill’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Bill’s full obituary, view his memorial video, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.