06/04 - Homecoming 2017 with Rev. Jerry Seely

We were honored today to have Jerry Seely and family among us at Concord's Homecoming!  The service, the fellowship, and the food were great!  Thank you, Reverend Seely, for ministering to us this day!

 

 

BIO FOR GERALD (JERRY) SEELY

   I was born January 26, 1951 in Tucson, Arizona. I am a triplet, two boys and one girl.  My father, Wayne Seely, was a career Air Force Man, having served during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. My early life was one of moving to different Air Force Bases. I lived in Tucson, AZ, Boise, ID, Salina, KS, Austin, TX, Grand Forks, ND and Merced, CA. After my dad retired in 1966 we moved to the Springfield, MO area. I graduated from high school in 1969. I met my spouse to be, Billie Woodruff, and we married later that year. We have been married 48 years and have four grown children, Bobby Seely, Darlene Seely, Micah Seely, and Brooke Arnold. We also have 8 grandchildren.

   In 1972 I received the call to ministry.  Following Lay Speaker Training I began the local pastor course of study. In 1973 I enrolled in Southwest Missouri State University and completed my B.A. Degree in May 1977. In August 1977 I began theological studies at Candler School of Theology and graduated with my M.Div. in June 1980. I attended the Naval War College in 1991 receiving a master’s degree in National Defense and Strategic Studies.

   My ministry in the local church began as a student pastor at Fordland UMC and Pleasant Hill UMC 1974-1977. I arrived at Concord UMC as a student pastor in June 1977 and returned to the Missouri Conference in Dec 1979. From Dec 1979 until Oct 1981 I served the Bois D’Arc and Ellwood United Methodist Churches in the Springfield District, Springfield, Missouri.

   My Navy Chaplaincy Career began in October 1981 until I retired in Oct 2011.  During those 30 years I served aboard Navy Ships, had three tours of duty with the United States Marine Corps, served with Navy Seabees, and duty overseas in Okinawa, Japan, Pohang, Korea, Brisbane, Australia, and Pattaya, Thailand. Shore assignments included duty in Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, California, Rhode Island, Virginia, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

   Billie and I have been retired since 2011 and enjoy traveling in our RV, playing golf, enjoying our grandchildren, and hanging out at the beach. God has richly blessed us along life’s journey.