Springfield – The Reverend Earl E. Seckinger, 92, passed away October 30, 2023 at his residence.

The Effingham County native attended Ebenezer Elementary School, graduated from Savannah High in 1949, Brevard College in 1951, from High Point University in 1953, and from Candler School of Theology at Emory in 1958 with his Masters in Theology.  He received the call in the ministry at age 16 while attending campmeeting at the Effingham County Methodist Campground.  He was a member of the North Georgia and South Georgia United Methodist Conference having been a Minister for 75 years and serving numerous churches throughout North Carolina and Georgia including, churches in North Carolina during college, Marietta, Lexington, Tucson, Commerce, Hapeville, Guyton Christian Church, Woodlawn UMC, Thomasville, Columbus, Oglethorpe, Wrightsville, Soperton, Turkey Branch UMC, and an associate at Springfield UMC for 15 years before retiring.  He also briefly taught English and History at ECHS where he met the love of his life, Carolyn, whom he was married for over 48 years.

Living throughout the Southeast in the 20th and 21st centuries provided many challenges, opportunities, and, of course, stories for Earl. He loved to recount the mischief he and his older brother, George encountered growing up in Savannah during the 1930s and '40s: boxing matches were won, children's bets over fountain pens were made, and many, many books were read. It was Earl's love of books, in part, that attracted him to study theology.

Working in the Methodist ministry meant that Earl and his family moved every four years to a new church. He was a natural leader whose congregations quickly grew to love him (and vice versa) as he worked tirelessly for his communities.

When not working, Earl had a keen sense of adventure; he had both his boat and pilot's licenses and enjoyed taking his family out on boat trips and in his small plane. After his retirement, he ventured even farther—taking vast road trips across the United States and with Carolyn and to visit his daughter Vicki and his grandchildren in California.  He also traveled on mission trips to Mexico.

In later years, Earl and Carolyn settled in Springfield, Georgia, not far from Earl's childhood home. They spent time with their families, spoiled their dog, Cocoa, and savored life in the cozy town with so many loved ones nearby.

Earl will be remembered for his generous heart, his wry sense of humor, and above all his tremendous compassion for everyone he encountered. He may no longer be with us, but his loving influence on so many lives continues on.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Moore Seckinger and Mae Viola Rahn Seckinger; his wife, Carolyn Neidlinger Exley Seckinger; his brother, George A. Seckinger; and an infant sister.

Survivors include his, daughters, Vicki Seckinger Ellingson (Mike) and Sherry Thomas (Ron); sons, James William "Bill" Exley, III (Sue) and Donald Carlyle Exley, Sr. (Suellen); grandchildren, Olivia Hosken (Chris), Cheril Ellingson, Tim Ellingson (Kate), Stephanie Davis (Zak), Patrick Thomas (Kate), Jim Exley (Becky), Rhett Exley (Nichole), Chip Exley (Hunter), Emmaline Buckley (Matt), Miles Exley (Amanda); great-grandchildren, Natalie, Ally, Emery, Briggs, Lawton, Hudson, Wyatt, Jameson, Declan, Mason, Evelyn, Sophie, Eleanor, Willa June, Jack, and James; a number of nieces and nephews; and his special loving caregiver, Eva Goldwire.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Springfield Oaks Church followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow in Springfield Cemetery.

Remembrances may be given to Springfield Oaks Church, 210 Cleveland Street, Springfield, GA 31329 or Effingham County Methodist Campground, c/o Stuart Exley, 306 W. First Street, Springfield, GA 31329.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 912-754-6421