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Michael Eugene Seale, 78, passed away unexpectedly in his home on June 23, 2024. Born on June 14, 1946, to Forrest and Allie Mae Seale in Andalusia, Alabama, Michael lived a life filled with adventure, love, and laughter. Born into a USAF family, Michael's early years were spent in various locations including Denver, Athlone, Merced, Atwater, El Paso, Sacramento, and eventually back to Merced County, where he spent the rest of his life. He attended El Capitan and Merced High Schools, graduating with the Class of 1964. He pursued higher education at Sacramento State and later Merced College, earning an AA degree in 1990. He demonstrated an exceptional work ethic. He enlisted in the Army National Guard of California in 1966, serving until 1972 as a Rifle Platoon Sergeant. He was decorated with an Expert Badge and "Rifle Bar," and earned the California Good Conduct Ribbon and California Service Ribbon for his role in the Berkeley Riots of 1969. Michael was a loving husband, supportive father, and proud Papa. His genuine smile exuded warmth and positivity and made his eyes twinkle with kindness. Michael had an innate ability to find joy in the simplest of things, watching the geese fly overhead, playing cards, Saturday college football games, or talking and texting with his grandchildren. He greeted everyone with a friendly nod or a cheerful hello, always making others feel valued and appreciated. Michael spent his young adulthood raising a family and enjoying outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, archery, camping, backpacking, search and rescue volunteering, and gold panning. For most of his working career, he was a grocery clerk and manager. After retirement, he returned to the workforce as a car salesman and fleet manager with Turlock Auto Plaza. In his second retirement, he enjoyed life on the ranch in Hopeton, where he spent his time gardening, watching wildlife, barbecuing, picking blackberries for cobbler, making his famous homemade ice cream, and entertaining family and friends, especially on Easter Sunday. Michael was preceded in death by his loving wife of 22 years, Frances Elizabeth Seale; his parents, Forrest and Allie Mae; his younger brother, David Seale; sister-in-law, Carolyn Seale; brother-in-law, John Lewis; and his grandson, Clay Reyes. He is survived by his daughter, Diana Dietz and her husband Rick of Atwater, CA; his son, John Seale and his wife, Trina of Salt Spring Valley Reservoir, CA; his daughter, Tara Kulbeth and her husband, Jason of Juneau, AK; his brother, Forrest Seale of Cherokee Village, AR; his sister, Jeanne Mitchell and her husband, Jim of McCall, ID; his sisters-in-law, Rita Seale of Sacramento, CA; Alice Lewis of Winton, CA; Antonette Giles and her husband Chuck of Paradise, CA; Adeline Taylor and her husband Dan of Carson City, NV; his stepson Tudor Reyes and his wife, Lisa of Snelling, CA; his stepdaughter, Elizabeth Reyes Johnston of Snelling, CA; and his grandchildren Erick Dietz, Joshua Dietz, Genevieve Dietz, Forrest Seale, Sierra Seale, Jacey Seale, Kylie Kulbeth, Kristie Kulbeth, Jordan Reyes, Hanalynn Reyes, Bryce Reyes, Kayla Johnston, Maddilynn Johnston, and Hayden Johnston. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Monday, July 1, 2024, at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd, Turlock. Visitation will be from 12 - 2 pm, followed by interment and a reception. Michael Eugene Seale lived a rich and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and dedication. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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Michael Eugene Seale

June 14, 1946 - June 23, 2024