Joey Seaver

George "Joey" Fulton Seaver, Jr.

Knoxville, TN

George "Joey" Fulton Seaver, Jr., age 54, of Knoxville and formerly Churchill, TN, passed away on Monday, December 3, 2018. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church. During his playing time at Walters State Community College Joey was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 1984 winter draft and the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1984 spring draft. He continued his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee and again was drafted in 1985 by the Baltimore Orioles and by the Brewers in 1986, with whom he signed. After two years with the Brewer's organization he earned his Masters degree at Carson Newman University where he began his pitching coach career. In his 10 year stint he helped coach the Eagles to two World Series appearances. Joey then returned to his Alma Mater to coach at Walter State Community College for the next 15 years. During his time there he coached in multiple NJCAA World Series and won the 2006 World Series. Joey coached in the professional ranks for the Boston Red Sox the same year. He continued his professional career with the Texas Rangers in 2014. He received various awards including Walter State Distinguished Alumni and NJCAA World Series Champion. Most recently, he was the pitching coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Baseball was a huge part of Joey's life, but his true passion was his wife and family. He met and fell in love with his wife Diana while a student at Walters State and their love for each other has only continued to grow. They have been married for over 30 years. Though his career took him all over the country he made his home in Knoxville. In the off season one would be hard pressed to find a more involved father than Joey. His children were his pride and joy and he would become their biggest supporters as they persued their own passions. Though Joey only had three children, endless numbers of his baseball players loved Joey like a father and he returned that love whole heartedly. Joey was the epitome of the word humble even though he was extremely accomplished and appreciated in the game of baseball. To know Joey was to love him and to know Joey was to be loved by him.

Joey was preceded in death by his father, George Fulton Seaver, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Diana Seaver, sons Matthew Seaver (Reagan) and Ryan Seaver, daughter, Hannah Seaver, mother, Joyce Collins, and sister, Teresa Bryant (Bob). 

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 15 at Sacred Heart Cathdral, Bishop Richard F. Sticka officiating. The family will receive friends from 5pm - 8pm on Friday, December 14 at Sacred Heart Cathdral. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either St. Mary's Legacy Clinic, 805 South Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, 119 Dameron Ave., Knoxville, TN 37917, Sacred Heart Cathedral Pipe Organ Fund, 711 South Northshore Dr., Knoxville, TN 37919, Knoxville Catholic High School Fine Arts Program, 9245 Fox Lonas Rd. NW, Knoxville, TN 37923. Online condolences may be extended at  www.rosemortuary.com.