I mentioned last night he needed prayers (H/T Steve). Today he has been called home. Business people like Uncle Leo are born, not made and are a very rare breed. Though he slowed down a bit in his later years his passing leaves a huge void in the Gulf Coast business community.
Update
Hancock Bank has issued a press release on the passing of Leo Seal:
An icon of Gulf South banking is gone, according to an announcement by Hancock Holding Company (Nasdaq:HBHC) senior executives. However, his legacy — an extraordinary six decades of visionary business, economic, civic, and philanthropic leadership — continues to sustain the financial services company that he led for almost three-fourths of his remarkable career.
Leo W. Seal, Jr., succeeded his father as president of Gulfport-based Hancock Bank in 1963 and continued to serve as president of Hancock Holding Company, parent company of Hancock Bank, until his death last night following an extended illness. He was 84.
“Ensuring value for Hancock Bank’s shareholders and customers and facilitating opportunities for the Gulf South remained foremost in Leo Seal’s every business decision during the past 60 years. Continue reading “Rest in Peace Leo Seal (Updated)”