James Forrest “Rooster” Seay, age 85, was born on March 15, 1941, to the late Andrew and Ester Seay. He peacefully departed this earthly life on March 15, 2026.
Mr. Seay was a dedicated employee of TRW for many years and a faithful member of Seay Chapel Church.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted companion, Betty Martin of Lascassas, TN; his loving daughter, Lakiesha (Joshua) Durham of LaVergne, TN; one devoted brother, John Seay; his goddaughter, Apostle Chandra Clay; and special friends, Bobby Joe Martin, Jackie Dowell, and the guys at the shop. He is also remembered by a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and his extended Martin family.
Public Viewing & Visitation on Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 4pm - 6pm at J C Hellum Funeral Home, 107 Stokes St, Lebanon, TN 37087.
Family Visitation, Friday, March 20, 2026 from 11am - 12noon, with Funeral Service to follow, at J C Hellum Funeral Home, 107 Stokes St, Lebanon, TN 37087.
Interment will follow funeral service at Wilson County Memorial Gardens, 618 S Maple St, Lebanon, TN 37087.
Apostle Chandra Clay – Officiant
Pastor Annie Grace Zimondi – Eulogist
Please keep the Seay Family in your thoughts and prayers.
Arrangements entrusted to J C Hellum Funeral Home, 107 Stokes St., Lebanon, TN 37087. 615-444-4558
Send flowers to the service of James "Rooster" Seay
I am sending my deepest sympathy and condolences out to the Seay family and friends on this very sad occasion. Pamela Hall Waters
My condolences to the Family may God bless you and keep you during your time of bereavement
Prayers to the Family
03/19/2026@5:33 AM; FROM THE CORDER-JOBE FAMILY. PRAYFULLY, HUMBLY, SINCERELY & RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY MELBA SHAWN. [LIFE-TIME LEBANON, TENNESSEE NATIVES] ALL NATIONALITIES, NATIONAL ORIGINS, CULTURES, CREEDS, ETC. DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS & SOME WERE NON RELIGIOUS PEOPLE, "BUT HUMAN BEINGS". [GRACE & MERCY] WE LIVED IN LEBANON, TENNESSEE IN UNITY, "NOT STRIFE", BUT LOVE. "WE WERE EMPLOYED@ DIFFERENT EMPLOYMENTS WITHIN UNITY" EVERYONE WORKED & LABORED IN DIFFERENT CAPACITIES. GODLY /JESUS LOVE TO THIS FAMILY. AND ALL FAMILIES. [TO ALL BEREAVED FAMILIES]. GOD BLESS THE SEAY FAMILY. IN JESUS NAME. WE PRAY, AMEN, AMEN & AMEN !!! *RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED*
We are praying for all family and friends of Brother Seay. Min. Joyce and Dea. David Thompson
I was so sorry to hear about you gaining your wings. What an extraordinary life—85 years, and to have come full circle, born and passing on the same day, feels deeply meaningful in a way words can hardly capture.
I hope the family can find comfort in the many memories, the love shared, and the legacy Rooster leaves behind. He lived a long life that clearly touched so many people, and that kind of impact never fades.
Thinking of you and your family during this time, and wishing you peace and strength in the days ahead.
Our condolences to Betty and the family
My heartfelt condolences to the Seay family 🙏🏾
My sincere condolences to the family 🙏🙏
Lakeisha,John & Seay Family; Sending my sincere condolences to you and the Seay family in the loss of your father and brother .you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult and pain time after all you still have joy James spirit and laughter will be sorely missed so sorry for your dearly lost James life well lived .
03/17/2026@6:41 AM; MR. JAMES SEAY WAS WELL KNOW WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY. HE WAS A VERY FRIENDLY PERSON. [HE ALWAYS SPOKE & WAS VERY ACTIVE IN OUR COMMUNITY]. HE WAS EMPLOYED@ROSS GEAR DIVISION/ TRW AUTOMOTIVE FOR MANY YEARS WITH OUR LATE GRANDFATHER & OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS, NEIGHBORS, ETC. AFTER HE RETIRED. I'D SEE HIM EARLY, EACH MORNING@DOX FOX PARK. WALKING ON THE TRACK. WE [MOST OR ALL EMPLOYEES] WORKED SEVERAL DIFFERENT SHIFTS & LONG HOURS@TRW AUTOMOTIVE LEBANON, TENNESSEE. [TRW/ZF, ZF NORTH AMERICA CORPORATION]. FROM OUR COMMUNITY & FAMILY,TO THE SEAY FAMILY. MAY THE BLESSINGS OF OUR *HEAVENLY FATHER* CONTINUE FLOWING UPON ALL. DIFFERENT SCRIPTURES FROM THE BOOK OF PSALM, PHILIPPIANS 4:13, [FAITH] & JAMES.*SINCERELY, PRAYFULLY, HUMBLY & RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY MELBA S. JOBE & FAMILY* AND FORMER CO-WORKERS@TRW AUTOMOTIVE [TRW/ZF] NORTH AMERICA CORPORATION LEBANON, TENN. * GOD BLESS ALL. IN JESUS HOLY NAME, AMEN*
Sorry for your loss i will always keep you in my thoughts and prayers
03/16/2026@11:59 AM; SPELLING CORRECTION [SEAY FAMILY] FROM MELBA JOBE.
03/16/2026@11:57 [FROM THE LSCC COLES FERRY PK LEBANON, TENN] EXTENDING SINCERE HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES & PRAYERS TO THE SRAY FAMILY. FROM MELBA [CORDER JOBE].
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.