Francis Seavy, 91, Dies in Clearwater

Gene Fleming, Francis Seavy’s nephew, sent out the following obituary of this longtime Snipe sailor and class sparkplug. The family has generously directed donations in Francis’ honor to go to Pinellas County Heritage Society for the boat shop project, or to the Snipe Class International Racing Association.   Seavy, Francis A. 91, of Clearwater, died on Sunday, March 17, 2013.  Francis was an avid competitive sailor, woodworker and musician.  Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he was the son of George Seavy (Mayor of Clearwater from 1941-1946) and Lucie Strother Seavy who moved to Clearwater when Francis was a young child.  He worked for the family business, Seavy Lumber Company, and later for Morgan Yacht in St. Petersburg and Ross Yacht in Clearwater.  As a little boy, Francis made a boat out of whatever he could find and taught himself to sail in the protected bayou across the street from his family’s home.  Upon returning from service in Africa during WWII, he hit the competitive sailing circuit.  Skilled in all types of sailing, Francis was best known for racing Snipes – particularly Honey, a boat created specifically for him by local boat building legend Clark Mills. 

Francis Seavy, 91, Dies in Clearwater Image

Gene Fleming, Francis Seavy’s nephew, sent out the following obituary of this longtime Snipe sailor and class sparkplug.

The family has generously directed donations in Francis’ honor to go to Pinellas County Heritage Society for the boat shop project, or to the Snipe Class International Racing Association.

 

Seavy, Francis A. 91, of Clearwater, died on Sunday, March 17, 2013.  Francis was an avid competitive sailor, woodworker and musician.  Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he was the son of George Seavy (Mayor of Clearwater from 1941-1946) and Lucie Strother Seavy who moved to Clearwater when Francis was a young child.  He worked for the family business, Seavy Lumber Company, and later for Morgan Yacht in St. Petersburg and Ross Yacht in Clearwater.  As a little boy, Francis made a boat out of whatever he could find and taught himself to sail in the protected bayou across the street from his family’s home.  Upon returning from service in Africa during WWII, he hit the competitive sailing circuit.  Skilled in all types of sailing, Francis was best known for racing Snipes – particularly Honey, a boat created specifically for him by local boat building legend Clark Mills. 

In 1952, Francis married Naomi Anderson who courageously took to the waves as his sometime crew and dedicated race committee member.  Seavy was a member of the Clearwater Yacht Club and Lifetime Honorary Vice Commodore of the Snipe Class International Racing Association.  Recently, he has been a major supporter of the Boat House Project at Heritage Village – a public/private endeavor to build a structure in which to house an exhibit highlighting the history of boating and boat building in Pinellas County.  Seavy died peacefully in his home overlooking the bayou on which he learned to sail.  He is survived by his wife Naomi, nephews Russ Coit and Gene Fleming, nieces Mary Lucie Coit Walker and Margie Fleming Davis and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.  Honey will find a home in the Boat House at Heritage Village along with other note worthy local vessels.  Seavy will be interred in a private family service at Sylvan Abbey.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the Clearwater Yacht Club on Sunday, April 14 at 2:30.  Friends, fellow sailing enthusiasts and folks who crewed with Francis over the years are welcome.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Francis’ honor to the Pinellas County Historical Society for the Heritage Village Boat House Project; or to the Snipe Class International Racing Association.  Meanwhile, when you remember Francis, think of him in the gulf sailing to windward over the horizon.    

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1 comment

John Rose
03/20/2013 -

I knew Francis, maybe not as well as many of you, but he was always a favorite of my family including me. A fine southern gentleman and top Snipe competitor, always courteous and considerate ashore and on the water. Well respected by all Snipe sailors. We will miss you, Francis - but never forget, you are always a part of Snipe history as one of the premier "Snipe Personalities."

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