Friday's Internet Edition, July 30, 2010.
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This year, the Edwards County Fair Association is dedicating their PBR event in honor of longtime volunteer, Bill Seale.
Seale is a veteran, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Bill was born March 30, 1930 to Hadie and Ernest Seale. He was born in the house where Eddie Franco, Jr. now lives. He served in the Korean War from February 1951 to November of 1952. His basic training was done in Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
About 1948, Bill went to work for his Uncle Tom in Vaughn, New Mexico and worked there until he went into the Army. His uncle ran sheep and cattle. When he got out of the Army, he went back to New Mexico and his uncle. It got dry and he decided to move back to Rocksprings where he went to work for the Morris sisters. He was suppose to be there two weeks, but stayed two years.
While working for the Morris sisters, Bill was approached by Perry Gurthrie who came to say Bill could run some goats on his place. Bill’s folks lived on the Schlaudt place just up from Gurthrie’s, so he took him up on it. He bought 515 head of Angora goats from Jess Hankins and went into the goat business, riding his horse from where his folks lived to check his goats every day.
“It was great,” Bill said. But, that year he only raised 65 kids from the 515 head of nannies. The nannies were to kid in March but started in early February. It was a cold year.
Back when Bill was eight or nine years old the American Legion was putting on the rodeo at Rocksprings. He would ride his horse to town and punch calves into the chutes. This man has been working for the Fair Association ever since except when he went to war. He has donated his time, materials and anything else to keep the association going.
This year will be the nineteenth year of carrying the American flag in the parade. When BJ, his grey horse, was three Bill started carrying the flag on him. This should be a record in anyone’s books.
Bill and his wife Jackie have four children: Lee Ann, Joy Dean, Bubba and Lori Jo. Their children also have families of their own.
This man has done a lot for this community and county. He is commended for his service. This year the Fair Association dedicates the PBR Bull Riding to Bill Seale.
Souli Shanklin stated, “He is the best man I have ever known.”
Thank you, Billy Seale. Your community loves you.