Rev. Seaburn Sidney Daniel
Meet Seaburn Sidney Daniel—family man, traveler, and friend:
Wearing a wide assortment of hats, on that you can depend.
An "ambassador for Christ" (Baptist lingo), but no stranger to many a man:
A speed demon say the state troopers, a map reader says his wife Fran.
"A man with a sense of humor." the words his secretary spoke.
"Even if you don't understand his brand of intelligent joke."
A man who doesn't know the word "can't" when he gets a gleam in his eye.
Known for starting Bible studies, he'll say, "It's worth a try."
Born way back in '29, from Bear Creek (Alabama) High
He graduated at sweet sixteen, then to Florence his wings to try.
A year of college and then the Air Force, in '52 taking a wife;
Forty-seven years now they've traveled—they must have married for life?!!
Meeting Fran at church, he also met God who whispered these words,
"Young man—I mean you Seaburn Daniel—for YOU I have a plan."
Impressive words they must have been, for he's been traveling since—
To Howard College (now Samford U.), and Southwestern Seminary hence.
In Forth Worth, Texas, John and Lisa made their family debut.
Seaburn was ordained in Texas while working on aircraft, too.
Then God sent a man, Ray Roberts, to point the way ahead.
Visiting family they burned up some miles; now off to Ohio they sped.
To warm-blooded, sun-loving Southerners Ohio was one icy blast,
But a tiny warm-hearted church they found.
Came son, Keith, now: the years flew so fast.
Bi-vocational, driving a bookmobile for the great state of O-hi-o.
Citizens there nearly 25 years with a short break—5 years or so.
Spent time as a Navy chaplain. seeing a lot of the world—
Italy, U.S., the Philippines. time flying by in a whirl!
While still in Ohio, the doctor said "You could use a brand new heart,
But I'll fix the one you already have and you can make a fresh start."
Stubborn Seaburn didn't want that, but God said "This is MY plan."
And that's how come he's here right now, and still a traveling man.
Lured off to old Virginia, to a different phase of the game—
Director of Missions, Strawberry 'sociation; almost 13 years he can claim.
Off on mission trips here and there, or short hops over the hill,
His love for the Lord he loves to share. Retire him—they never will!
Changing his title, no big thing for him—as simple as changing his hat.
"Maybe I'll be a full-time loafer," says he, "No problem that!"
Four grandkids back in Ohio, they'll be traveling never fear—
'Til the Lord says "Come on, Seaburn, and explore the roads up here."
Written by Shannon Ragland 09/07/99 at the request of Strawberry Baptist Association
for Seaburn’s retirement as Director of Missions and Ministries
