Faset Thomas Seay, Jr

Faset Thomas "Buddy" Seay, Jr., an Engineer, Real Estate Developer, and Licensed Contractor, passed away on November 18, 2023, at Caromont Regional Hospital in Gastonia, North Carolina. He was born on March 14, 1940, in Bryson City, NC, to parents Faset Thomas Seay, Sr. and Mary Jane Hagens Seay.

Buddy served in the US Army Reserves and took great pride in his military service. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the South Fork Masonic Lodge #0462, as well as active in the Belmont, Mount Holly and Lowell lodges. Throughout his Masonic journey, Mr. Seay served as a past Master, a past District Deputy Grand Master, and was involved with the Masonic Shriners, York and Scottish Rites AF&AM.

During his lifetime Buddy lived and worked in several foreign countries.  In Morocco, he created a company which sold 31 brands of foreign automobiles, and insurance to servicemembers on the U.S. air bases, was an honorary member of the U.S. Air Force Officers Club, and managed the USO facility in Casablanca.  

In Thailand, he worked several years as superintendent managing the construction of several U.S. military facilities.  Due to his efforts and support of Special Forces activities in Thailand he was awarded and recognized as an honorary Green Beret by the Headquarters, 46th Special Forces Company (Airborne), 1st Special Forces.  During this period Buddy met and married his wife, Supatra "Pao" Seay. 

While living in Jakarta, Indonesia with his wife and four children, Buddy worked as an engineer for Resource Management Inc. (RMI).  He frequently found himself operating in remote locations under austere conditions.  He and his team were often the first to develop these secluded areas by clearing airstrips and constructing facilities.

Returning home, he established a real estate business, building the largest flea market in Western North Carolina and creating a portfolio of buildings in Mount Holly, North Carolina, which was his occupation until his passing.

In addition to his professional achievements, Buddy had a vibrant personality that deeply touched the lives of those around him.  He possessed a passion for history and chess, regularly engaging in conversations and friendly competition with his family and loved ones.  Notably, he had a delightful sense of humor and thoroughly enjoyed sharing "Dad" Jokes with his friends and family.

Throughout his life, he found joy in traveling and spending quality time with his family. He cherished their vacations together, building lasting memories that will be treasured by all who shared those special moments with him.

Buddy is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Supatra "Pao" Seay.  Together they experienced a deep love characterized by unwavering support for one another through all of life's challenges.  They built a strong foundation for their family which includes their children: Yowanard "Lek" Seay; Charoensri "Nuey" Seay; Fasetta "Apple" Warren; and Faset Thomas "Jerry" Seay III, and his wife Cynthia, as well as his sister in law, Rachada "Tun" Owens.  

He also leaves behind a cherished legacy through his brothers Robert Thomas "Bobby" Seay, Faset Joaquin "Billy" Seay and wife Irene Benrimokh Seay, Benny Dale Seay and wife Anna Sonia Rendon Seay, as well as his sister Facelia Seay Pridgen.

Buddy was also a proud grandfather of Ryder Caris Warren, Mary LillyAna Rose Warren, Maddox Glen Howk Seay and Faset Thomas Seay IV.  These grandchildren brought immeasurable joy to his life and he relished every moment spent with them.

A Celebration of Life service with Masonic Rites will take place on December 2, 2023, at Benson Funeral & Cremation in Mt. Holly, NC. The event will begin at 2:00 PM and will provide an opportunity for family and friends to honor Mr. Seay's life and share fond memories. The address for the service is 101 Oak Grove St., Mt. Holly, NC 28120. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. 

Buddy's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his dedication to his profession, his commitment to military service, his love of laughter, and above all else, the love he shared with his family. May he rest in peace as we hold onto the treasured memories he left behind.