On December 12, 2025, we lost a remarkable leader and a dear friend. John Seymour, former President and CEO Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, led with a servant’s heart, a strong voice for what mattered, and a gentle spirit that made everyone feel seen and valued. John believed deeply in people, in community and in doing the right thing—even when it was difficult. Those of us who were fortunate to have worked with him and been mentored by him are better for having known him and learned from his example.

The following obituary honors John’s life, service and lasting impact on our community.

John William Seymour Sr., 82, died at home on Dec. 12, 2025.

A native of Olney, Ill., John was well known throughout north Alabama and beyond as president and CEO of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce from 1991 until his retirement in 2021 – three decades during which the chamber went from focusing on one economic development project at a time to pursuing from five to 10 simultaneously.

The year he retired, John also served as grand marshal of the Decatur Christmas parade, during which he rode the route wearing a red stocking cap, waving to spectators from the passenger seat of a vintage red Thunderbird convertible. If that looked like a grand way to exit an illustrious career, John had other ideas. A workhorse who was still engaged and sharp at age 78, he followed his retirement by going to work as an advisor at Decatur’s Horizon Point Consulting, where he focused on executive searches and workforce development, and as special counsel for Austin, Texas-based Funding Solutions.

With his wife Judy, John had previously lived in the southwest Mississippi cities of Natchez and McComb, where he was president and CEO of the Natchez Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the McComb Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Foundation.

During this period, he made a name for himself as an effective ambassador and accompanied Mississippi state officials on international economic development missions to Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Canada. He later became a tireless advocate for economic development in north Alabama, known for getting things done.

For friends, family members and coworkers, John will be remembered for his sly sense of humor, his commitment to his family and community, and for his calm, straightforward demeanor. He was diplomatic, inquisitive and open-minded, which served him well in both his private and professional lives. He always managed to find balance in life. He was also an avid golfer who enjoyed Alabama football, and, owing to his personal sense of humor, was a big fan of Gary Larson’s “The Far Side.”

Among his numerous professional awards, John was inducted into the Morgan County Leadership Hall of Fame in 2022 and was the recipient of the 2nd Annual Thompsonian Award presented by the Business Council of Alabama in 2014. In 2016, the award was renamed the Thompson-Seymour Award. John was also the recipient of the Jamie Wallace Award presented by the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama; the highest award a chamber of commerce executive can receive in the State of Alabama.

Former colleagues remember him as a person who spoke up for what mattered, led with humility, and made those around him feel valued and heard. As head of the Decatur chamber, he transformed the area’s economic landscape by organizing the Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority, helping create the “Envision Decatur” comprehensive plan, and spearheading regional advocacy in both the state and U.S. capitals.

A dynamic, diplomatic, imaginative and inclusive leader, he pushed for Decatur to become part of Huntsville’s legislative days in Washington D.C., which contributed to a unified Decatur-Huntsville metropolitan area. He advanced projects like adding lanes to Beltline Road and building a new bike trail, and was closely involved in retail, residential and workforce recruitment. As he expanded regional economic efforts, he tended to avoid the spotlight and never took credit for what he viewed as collaborative team efforts.

The son of Robert Isaac Seymour and Mary Alice Inyart Seymour, John attended East Illinois University before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force (1962-1966) and serving in Vietnam, the latter of which may surprise some who knew him because he almost never talked about his war experiences.

Once back in the U.S., he embarked on his career, including as director of program and corporate development on the United States Jaycees National Staff in Tulsa, Okla., and executive vice president of the Mississippi Jaycees. It was after his career led him to McComb that he met Judy, the love of his life.

In addition to Judy, survivors include their children Michelle Bragg (Joe), Jeremy Seymour (Christy) and the late Kevin Hoover; sons Robert D. “Rob” Seymour (Amy) and the late John William “Jay” Seymour Jr.; brother James Seymour; sister-in-law Pam Shoemaker (Buzz); brother-in-law Alan Huffman; niece Jana Rodriquez; grandchildren Kerri Parton, Anna Basham Mullins (Tim), Sophie Seymour, Drew Seymour and Joey Bragg; and great grandchildren John Seymour, Annaliese Basham-Kuntz and Ethan Parton.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to an organization focused on Alzheimer’s disease, which John took a personal interest in after his father was diagnosed.

The family plans to hold a private memorial service in Spring 2026.