Eddie Ray Seals

Eddie Ray Seals, born on February 5, 1934, passed away peacefully at his home on January 6, 2025, in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Eddie was born in Gorman Texas, the son of Eugene Wayland and Clodell Lucille Seals (nee Ellison), who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his two brothers, Jimmy Eugene Seals and Danny Wayland Seals. After the death of his mother, Eddie was raised by his grandparents, John Watson and Johnnie Ellison (nee Hare).

Eddie is survived by his wife, Flora “Flo” Ann Seals (nee Carruth) of 69 years; his children, Jay Ray Seals of Hendersonville, Kay Ann (Randy) Nemitz of Goodlettsville and Gay Lyn Collett of Hendersonville. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Janetta Leigh (Bobby) Snow of Bakersfield California, Jared Ray (Rachael) Nemitz of Vero Beach, Florida, Jesse David (Jenn) Nemitz of Macon, Georgia, Jayson Ray Seals of Hendersonville and Clayton Edward (Shelby) Collett of Los Angeles, California. He is also survived by numerous great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, his sister’s-in-law, Ruby Jean Seals and Andrea “Andi” Seals, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Eddie graduated from Stephenville High School and attended Tarleton College. It was there where he met his wife “the love of his life”, Flo, in 1953 in the lobby of the girl’s dormitory as she attended a baton twirling camp at the College. Her life-long best friend, Charlotte Wortham, persuaded Flo to come down to the lobby where she found him playing the piano. She fell in love with the piano player and he met “the love of his life.” They married in 1955.

Coming from a family in which musical talent runs deep, his love of music began early in his life. Eddie was a Drum Major in the high school band and played saxophone in the orchestra. He debuted his music career in 1945 with his life-long friend and comedy partner, Joe Sones, singing two Homer and Jethro songs in a local talent show in Stephenville as Clem and Ears. They were an instant hit. They formed a gospel quartet, the Rythmnaires, when they were at Tarleton.

While Joe was in the army, Eddie sang with the Imperials, a gospel quartet that was popular in Texas at the time. Upon Joe’s return from the army, Joe joined the group which then became The Commodores. Their hit, “Riding On a Train,” afforded them an appearance on the Arthur Godfrey Talent Scout Show, which they won. They toured with Harry James, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Eddie Fisher, Tex Ritter, Sonny James, Rick Nelson, Woody Herman and Billy Eckstein. By 1959, The Commodores were playing the best showrooms in Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe.

Eddie and Joe left The Commodores and went on to perform as a comedy duo. Initially, they were known as the Cut-Ups, but soon became simply Eddie and Joe. Eddie and Joe played the Golden Nugget for an unprecedented 72 weeks, the Mint Hotel and Casino for 24 months and then Harrah’s and the Sahara Hotel in Lake Tahoe for an amazing 79 weeks.

In 1968, Eddie moved his family to Nashville, Music City USA, when Acuff Rose brought Eddie and Joe to town to record. They became the premier entertainment act in town for the next 20 years, playing with Boots Randolph at his club in Printers Alley, the Nashville Palace on Music Valley Drive, the Embers Showcase in Printers Alley and the Showcase Lounge at Opryland Hotel. Their blend of comedy routines, original music and cover songs (often sung with slightly revised lyrics) would make their audiences laugh until they hurt. Eddie and Joe performed on the nationally syndicated County/Western TV programs, The Porter Waggoner Show, That Nashville Sound and were among the first stars on First Celebration of Country Comedy, hosted by Mel Tillis and Minnie Pearl.

Eddie was a Life Member of the Nashville Musicians Association, Local 257, American Federation of Musicians.

Eddie will be remembered fondly by those who knew him. His on-stage presence touched many lives with his humor. His at-home presence touched the lives of his family with his love for them. His memory will remain a source of comfort and strength to all who mourn his loss.

May he rest in peace. 

Visitation for Eddie will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 12:00 noon until 3:00 pm at Hendersonville Funeral Home (353 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075). A graveside service will follow starting at 3:00 pm at Hendersonville Memory Gardens (353 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075).