Johnny Seel Jr.

Donor Hero

“My husband, Johnny, passed away on March 27th, 2020, after collapsing from cardiac arrest. A week prior, he had earned his commercial driver’s license (CDL), and we had a lengthy conversation about whether he should check the box to become an organ donor. He was hesitant due to many misconceptions about the donation process, but I encouraged him to become an organ donor because it could help save others. I had no idea that so soon after checking this box, he would become a donor himself and save the lives of three strangers,” shared donor wife Michele.   

“Johnny was a loving father to our 3-week-old boy, Johnny (Little Johnny), and stepfather to our 6-year-old son, Sebastian, and 16-year-old daughter, Jessica. He was proud to be a Lineman for MasTec Utility Services. Johnny grew up an outdoorsman and enjoyed sports, hunting, fishing and motorcycle riding. He loved to play video games and have ‘Nerf gun wars’ with me and the kids, play on the trampoline with his beloved dog, Grady, and go on mini vacations to the mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina. He was a big Clemson Tigers fan and loved to watch them play football.   

Johnny often ended our phone conversations with ‘Jesus loves you, and there is nothing you can do about it.’ His big smile and blazing red beard could light up any room, as well as his legendary dance moves and enthusiasm for life. Johnny brought joy to everyone he met, and his desire to serve others is demonstrated by his decision to become an organ donor. The grief of our loss is overwhelming, but the worst day of my life was also a day of celebration for his three recipients and their families.”