The Life of Mr. Thomas Austin Seay
Thomas A. Seay, Ph.D., 78, of Kutztown, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 18, 2021 in his residence. He was the loving husband of Mary B. (Burt) Seay, Ph.D., whom he married on March 4, 1978.
Born in Hopkinsville, KY, Thomas was a son of the late Sam and Thelma (Seay) Gamble. He was a 1961 graduate of Hopkinsville High School. After high school, he attended Austin Peay State University, (B.S., M.A.), and Southern Illinois University, (Ph.D.).
Thomas was a Professor of Counseling Psychology at Kutztown University for 33 years, before retiring in 2006, and receiving the title of Professor Emeritus. Following his retirement, he joined the faculty at Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong, China as Professor and Director of the Master Degree of Social Science in Counseling Psychology. He also served as Acting Director of HKSYU's Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology. Thomas was president of Community Psychological Services Consultants, Inc. (private practice in psychology) for many years.
In addition to his wife, Mary, Thomas is survived by his three children, Michael A. Seay, Kutztown, Brian A., husband of Cortney (Thomas) Seay, Stroudsburg, Kaitlyn A. Seay, St. Louis, MO; four grandchildren, Nora, Noah, Adley and Eliana.
He was passionate about loving and supporting his family, discovering and experiencing new cultures and enjoying his horses and dogs. He loved watching TV, particularly sappy Christmas movies.
The family will host a private memorial service for Thomas at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Tom's memory to the American Civil Liberties Union, 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New York NY 10004, or online at www.aclu.org or Last Chance Rescue, 9 Beck Road, Quakertown, PA 18951.
Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.
Filter Mr. Thomas Austin Seay's Timeline by the following Memory Categories
2021.04.20
Sparky
There are so many fond memories of our teenage years and high school graduation, he will always remain a part of my life and friendship never forgotten. May pease and comfort be to his family. God Bless.
2021.04.20
Kutztown
Dr. Seay will go down as the best professor! I studied under him for my Masters in Counseling at Kutztown. I learned so much from him...not just about counseling, but about life. Even after his retirement, when I was working on getting my license and getting push back...he fought so hard for me. I will NEVER forget his kindness and his care for me. I remember going in for my interview for grad school. I was so nervous! I felt a little better because I had Dr. Mary Seay at DSU so I was hoping they were related! And when I got there for my interview...there he was...in jeans and cowboy boots...I felt instant comfort and knew that this is who I needed to study under. Dr. Mary Seay and family, you have my deepest condolences and prayers. I will always have Dr. T. Seay in my heart!
2021.04.20
A Great Teacher
I had Tom for several courses in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was the personaification of what a great teacher ought to be: He was very friendly, approachable, knowledgeable, and he cared about his students. My sincere condolences to Mary and his family. Rest in Peace, Tom.
2021.04.20
KU
I have good memories of Dr. Seay from a course at KU in the 1980s as I worked on my MA in Counseling Psychology. He inspired me with his knowledge and he had a great smile. My sympathy goes out to his family.
Suzanne (Sue) Barron
Kutztown
2021.04.21
HHS Class of 1961
The news of Tommy's passing bring sadness to all of us who graduated with Tommy from Hopkinsville High School Class of 1961. His passing will leave emptiness in the hearts and minds of family and friends. On behalf of the HHS Class of '61, our condolences to Mary and his family.
2021.04.23
A loving freind an colleague
Working alongside Tom at Shue Yan University was indeed a special gift. We became good friends and remained so after we both retired from there - Tom back to Pennsylvania and myself and Peter back to Australia. WE kept in touch, writing and sometimes able to talk on the phone. We are the same age though I joked I was a few months older and once in HK we visited the statues of Confucius and the god of our birth year and I still have the photo. Our love and prayers to you Mary and family. WE will never forget his smile, friendship and support. And aphoto of a night out with Tom in HK
2021.04.23
Horses
May your journey continue, somewhere out there, with your soda in your hand, riding on a horse, into other ethereal planes of existence. Always remember you, always love you, no matter where you are. Cal
2021.04.27
Helped me to heal
I was a client of Dr Seay for over two years almost 25 years ago. I was just leaving a difficult long-term relationship and I was feeling very lost. At that point I had been in a counseling relationship for five years with another therapist and not making any progress. I will never forget the kindness and professionalism of Dr. Seay. I feel truly blessed to have worked with him and I know that he helped get my life on to a much better track. Rest in the peaceful knowledge of all the people you helped to find their own peace.
2021.06.17
My Dearest Professor Tom Seay
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I am sorry to know that you have lately passed away. I have been contacting you on email and Social Media and hoped to come visit you as promised. You are not only a great professor, but a valuable friend for me. Thanks for being in touch and checking on me when I need. More importantly, thanks for your healing hands to help me succeed in publishing the dissertation in the year at the Hong Kong Shue Yan University. You're always the best of the best professor in my heart! As titled in the painting at your home, "Without you; without me!". Thank you so much for helping me be well and taught me all valuable lesson!
I always love and respect you! My dearest Professor Tom Seay!
I'd make the most of all you have given and taught me for the future generation! Thank you so much for everything!
Loves with peace,
Wai Wai
2021.11.14
Saddened
I first met Tom as one of his graduate students at Kutztown. Over time, we became great friends and frequently visited one another. I attended his wedding to Mary in 1978. Once I moved to NJ, we drifted away from one another over time, but I frequently thought of him as a great friend, with a great sense of humor, great intellect, and great great kindness. Even though we have not stayed in touch over the years, I feel so sad to hear of his death which came as a result of searching for him on the internet to hopefully schedule a reunion with he and Mary. My sincere and deep condolences to Mary and his children. The world just lost an important member of its population. He was a positive and good force where ever he went. I tip my can of coke to you, my friend, hoping that we will see each other again.