Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen - Hebrews 13:20-21 "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven" A Time to Be Born On December 15, 1942, John Seaward and Elvina Ervin Seaward were blessed with the birth of a son, Robert Lee Seaward. Robert or "Pie or R.L.", received his education in the public schools of Berkeley County, graduating from Russellville High School, St. Stephen, SC in 1962. Robert will always be remembered as "Pie" - the quarterback with the sneak. A Time to Love Robert (R.L.) was united in Holy Wedlock to Mary Beth McClennon on December 30, 1966. This union was blessed with one son, Robert Lee, Jr. A Time to Serve Robert heroically and honorably served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1967-1969. As a member of the 25th Infantry Division, he served in Vietnam from 1967-1968. Robert was a recipient of the Bronze Star, an award for heroism and the Purple Heart, an award for having been wounded while serving in Vietnam. A Time to Build Up Robert's Christian pilgrimage began at Calvary Reformed Episcopal Church, St. Stephen, SC. In the fall of 1969, he became a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Terre Haute, Indiana. Robert answered the call to the ministry in May 1977. He was licensed as a gospel minister in July 1977 and ordained in July 1978. Rev. Seaward served as Assistant Pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church from August 1978 to August 1992, after which he went on to become pastor of Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church in August 1992 and served until 2009 upon retiring due to physical health disorders. He touched many lives especially the youth he encountered. He was well known for saying, "Bring me my flowers while I am yet living." A Time to Plant Robert was an industrious worker and he never let grass grow under his feet. R.L. began working at an early age and held several jobs before going into the service. Post-service he worked at Hammonds Automotive; he was a skilled semi-truck driver; and he worked at J.I. Case for quite a few years until the company closed. In 2005, R.L. retired from the United States Post Office after working there for more than 15 years. As an entrepreneur, Robert owned and operated Freeway Car Wash for several years. He also developed and maintained his own lawn care business employing various teens throughout the community. A Time to Die Pastor Emeritus Robert Lee Seaward went home to be with the Lord on November 12, 2012. He was preceded in death by: his parents, John & Elvina Ervin Seaward; two brothers, Henry and Frank Seaward; one sister, Onetha Brown and a granddaughter, Alexis Seaward. A Time to Remember To honor his memory, he leaves behind: his loving wife and companion of 51 years, Mary Beth; a son, Robert Lee Jr. (Tamicka); sisters, Luttie Bell Hamm, Oneida Smalls, Dorothy Ladson, Ora Lee Dingle and Lydia Sumpter; brothers, Joseph (Georgiana), Rembert (Geneva), Danzie (Mary), Jack (Delores) and Willie (Beatrice); grandchildren: Shimira, Christopher, Brianna, Amya, Tierra and Terohn; father and mother-in-law, Pastor Melvin and Mother Mary McClennon; sisters-in-law, Barbra Ann (Rev. Ronald) Lucas, Catherine (Harvey) Smith and Julia Wright; brothers-in-law, Melvin Jr., Rev. Sterling (Eartha), Preston and Diarria; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. R.L. was a selfless son of GOD who was chosen to lead many back to the arms of protection in Christ. Owning up to and being a defined exemplary role model, definition of a devoted Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Friend and Leader. He never ran across a stranger, yet was proud to have been appointed an adopted Spiritual Father to many sons and daughter. In return, he tremendously enjoyed his gained grandchildren and great-grandchildren through them. God appointed an angelic man of Christ, Cedric Jones, to serve Robert in many more ways than just a personal assistant. During Robert's critical time of illness, Cedric was a passionate caretaker who relentlessly took care of every need. He sincerely demonstrated he was a devoted adopted son and loving friend.