Doug Seal: A Pillar of Bay St. Louis

Good Neighbor - January 2024

Husband, father, grandfather, councilman, community leader – Doug Seal has done so much to earn the city’s respect and the love of his family.

- By Maurice Singleton

Doug Seal (back row, third from r) and the crew at Crab Fest.

Doug Seal is highly regarded as a public servant, a person who cares deeply about the citizens of Bay St. Louis and the future of the city. He is knowledgeable about local issues and has gained a reputation as someone open to new ideas to find the best resolution.
 

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Seal is known for doing his homework before discussing the issues presented to him as a Bay St. Louis city councilman. Whether he is presented with an individual’s issue or that of a group, Seal is always well-prepared and considerate of the concerns for all parties.

Doug Seal takes his oath of office while his wife, Michele, holds the Bible.

 
On July 5, 2000, Seal began his first term as city councilman for Ward One in Bay St. Louis. “Every major thing we’ve done since 2000, from city ordinances to city-wide studies, I have been innately involved in by doing my homework and providing information to our citizens,” Seal said. “I’ve been true to myself and to the people of Bay St. Louis.”
 

Doug and Michele Seal

 
It is easy to see that Doug Seal is well-loved by his constituents in Ward One, as he has continuously been re-elected as councilman for the last 24 years. Seal honed his philosophy throughout his political career by focusing on finding the facts and being straightforward with citizens. He does not play favorites but will bend over backward to find a solution and respectfully implement new or updated processes. “I will work as hard as I can for you, but I won’t do you a favor that I can’t do for everybody else,” Seal explained.

Doug Seal (center) flanked by his sons Cayce (l) and Cody (r).

 
Seal recently announced his plans to run for Mayor in 2025. “It’s a little far off, but I’m going to continue forward in that direction. When they ask if I have Michele’s support, I tell people I’m pretty sure she will vote for me,” Seal joked.
 
Michele has been Seal’s wife for 37 years.  Family is the motivation behind all of Seal’s ambitions. He wants for them the one thing he didn’t have growing up – a complete family with love and attention from both parents. Although he grew up with both parents in his life, alcohol played a detrimental role in the lives of his father and stepfather.

Cayce, Doug, and Cody Seal with Doug's three grandsons.

 
He would eventually have to confront his own problems with alcohol. He points to a particular date – February 14, 1998 – as the turning point in his life, the day walked away from alcohol. He hasn’t had a drink of alcohol since.
 
“He’s the most loving, kind person I know,” said Michele. “He has taken young people that needed guidance and given them a place to stay and food to eat.”
 

 
He didn’t get his start in politics. His interest in community involvement was piqued when he coached the youth sports teams of his sons, Cody and the late Cayce. The boys played basketball, baseball, soccer, and football, and he credits those years as the impetus for getting involved in bettering his community.

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In a tragic turn of events, Seal’s youngest son, Cayce, passed away two and a half years ago. Seal delivered Cayce’s eulogy and said, “Thank you, GOD, for allowing me to be Cayce’s father for 28 years, six months, and 12 days! I know it’s your will, and that is enough. Someone told me, ‘Where GOD puts a period, who are we to put a question mark?’”
 
After Cayce’s death, “Live Like Cayce” became a widely heard motivational phrase. Cayce worked hard, was friendly with everyone, and lived life to the fullest.
 

Doug and Michele Seal

 
Doug is proudest of his family. “Doug is a wonderful husband, father and Papa [grandfather], and his family is blessed to call him ours,” said Michele. “He is an amazing person.”
 
Doug Seal plans to carry out his family’s legacy by staying involved with his children and grandchildren and serving his community.
 

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