Sterling Thomas Seitz

Sterling Thomas Seitz, also affectionately known as “Tommie” or “Tuck”, 79, of Amarillo, TX died Saturday, January 14, 2023.  Just 1 week shy of his 80^th earthly Birthday.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd.  Following the service, family and friends will gather at “The Barn” located at 3625 S FM 1258 Amarillo, TX for a meal and to share stories and memories.

Sterling Thomas Seitz was born in Pampa, TX at Worley Hospital on January 21, 1943, to Claud Hicks Seitz and Pauline Simmons Seitz.  He attended Miami, TX  schools and graduated in 1961.  Tommie continued his education at West Texas University and graduated in 1967 with a BS in math.

Tommie married Linda Brown, of Pampa, and had one son, Brian, who was the light of his life.  Linda and Tommie later divorced.  Both Brian and Linda preceded him in death.  He is also preceded in death by his parents Claud and Pauline, and his brother Jim.

Following graduation Tommie proudly began his career in the oil and gas industry.  Beginning with Diamond Shamrock, later known as Maxus Energy, he worked in Amarillo, Denver, and Dallas.  His career afforded him the joy of travelling the world for many years.  At the conclusion of his work with Maxus, he began his career with the State of Texas Railroad Commission as the Director of the Oil & Gas division.  He loved the job and the people he worked alongside.  His colleagues described him as loved and well respected.  Upon his retirement at the commission, Tommie moved from Austin to Amarillo and joined his brother at United Fiberglass, Inc. Tommie fully retired March 2021.  He was a Lifetime Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and recently celebrated 50 years.

When he wasn’t working, Tommie was an avid bass fisherman and prided himself on his Lifetime Bass membership.  He thoroughly enjoyed nature and the outdoors and travelled the world fishing.  Tommie fancied Harleys and owned several throughout his lifetime.  He also loved cruising in his yellow corvette.  Tommie was an avid gardener with quite the green thumb and grew amazing gardens.

Tommie was a brilliant and colorful man.  Though a private and quiet soul, he loved helping others.  He was very charitable and quietly helped those in need.  He made a difference in many lives by his kindness and generosity.  He gave freely and wanted no recognition in return.  He is described as: genuine, loyal, kind and thoughtful by those he held close.

Survivors include two aunts, Frankie Martin, of Wayne, OK, and Patsy Price, of Grand Junction, CO; a sister-in-law, Sue Seitz; three nephews, John Seitz and family, of Amarillo, Joe Seitz and family, of Dallas, and Benji Hausen and family, of Amarillo; a niece, Alisha Vieths and husband Rick, of Amarillo, who were his primary caregivers; numerous cousins; lifelong friends, Gerald and Betty Anderson, of Miami, TX, Gary Wingate and family, of Amarillo, Judy Wood and family, of Pampa, Dave Phillips of Amarillo, Stacy McFall of Fritch, and his favorite medical provider, Vickie Payne of Amarillo.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Miami – Roberts County Volunteer Fire Department or ADVO Hope For Opportunities Foundation in Tommie Seitz’ name.

Tommie’s favorite place on earth was the Seitz homeplace where his ashes will be spread in a private ceremony amongst his closest family and friends at a future date.