Otis William "Bill" Seward Jr.

Otis William “Bill” Seward Jr. (82) Of Alexandria, VA passed away Thursday, January 16, 2025. Loving husband to Glenda Dale Seward; cherished brother to Sandra Peebles, Brinkley Seward, Wilhelmina Spear, Russell Seward, and Charles Seward. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Otis Seward. Bill was a life-long native of Alexandria. As a young man, he worked in commercial construction as a Steamfitter out of Local Union 602. He then moved into a 30+ year career in the Federal Civil Service, first at the General Services Administration as a construction manager, and then at the U.S. Marshals Service headquarters as a facilities project manager. He thoroughly enjoyed his work and was proud of his service. Bill met and married his wife Dale, cherishing their rich love and special partnership every day for over 53 years. He was an interesting man—He and Dale would often talk way into the night about any and everything. He was a thoughtful husband, especially in the little things, generous in all ways, and considerate. Surrounded by a large immediate and extended family for his entire life, Bill loved-on and generously shared himself with them. They, in return, sought his company and closeness. He easily drew others into his inner circle, especially young people, developing and nurturing friendships. Some lasted throughout his life and others were newer—all were deep and abiding for him. For 50 years, Bill was active in the ministries of his church, Old Town Community Church. His service spanned a wide range of ministries: he helped maintain the historic facility; he volunteered in the financial management; he taught Bible study and mentored at-risk youth; he helped with the food distributions where over a 150 families received groceries monthly; and he assisted with church suppers and prepared Sunday morning coffee service weekly. His serving as a greeter for the Sunday morning worship service brought Bill a great deal of joy. Bill had a special affinity for nature, especially birds and animals. He faithfully fed and watered the backyard birds, then retired to his deck chair to watch them. He could easily identify birds, even from their songs and calls. He also enjoyed feeding the squirrels, ensuring those with injuries or with young received extra. His pet dogs and cats held a very special place of love and affection in his heart. He so enjoyed their company and treated them with the upmost care. Bill worked hard at whatever he set his hands to do and was a talented do-it-yourselfer at home, at the cottage, and when helping others. He also played with just as much enthusiasm as he worked. He was always up for fishing, often saying “Life is short. Fish hard!” He enjoyed watching and cheering for his favorite teams, Nationals baseball and Commanders football. He was proud of his lovely and bountiful flower and vegetable gardens, sharing his veggies with the neighborhood, church, and family. He loved to cook and was good at it, but oysters—anyway, anyhow--was his signature dish. He liked spending time at the ocean and at our cottage on the river, watching the beautiful sunsets over the water and stargazing in the clear night sky. Bill was a life-long learner, especially of U.S. history. He relished reading and watching anything about U.S. history, and he strongly advocated for the careful study of history not only to educate, but also to inform us for the future. Bill deeply valued his abiding faith as a Christ-follower, his special relationship with his wife Dale, his wonderful family and close friends, and his joy of living, which he shared freely with others throughout his life. He was fun and a bit mischievous, life-wise, a great storyteller, and a true gentleman. Bill often commented that his Lord had blessed him beyond his expectations, and he was humbled by God’s goodness to him. Bill was a good and faithful servant of Christ. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed. Relatives and friends will be welcomed at a gathering at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Dr. Alexandria, VA 22315, on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 2-4PM and 6-8PM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Old Town Community Church, 212 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Old Town Community Church or a charity of your choice.

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Otis William "Bill" Seward Jr.

January 16, 2025