As far back as Miranda “Mandy” Seagle – now Millsaps – can remember she has loved music and singing.
Her father Danny Seagle played with a band called “The Toy Factory” which included some members of the Marshall Tucker Band. Her father also played drums with the “Ranger Band,” which included members from Graham County.
Mandy sang in the choir at Panther Creek Baptist Church from the time she was a little girl. Patricia Cable was the song leader and Dwight Bradshaw played the piano, and can play most any other musical instrument. Mandy sang with a group of other girls and were called the “Panther Creek Girls.” Mandy credits Cable, Bradshaw and then-pastor Mike Edwards for much support in her singing.
When Mandy was between 8-9, she sang her first solo in church – singing “We’ve Got the Power” – and was requested many times afterward to sing the song. Mandy continued to sing at church and special events, with her mother Louise Seagle supporting and encouraging her along the way – although it included hearing Mandy learning a new song and singing as loud as she could from her bedroom.
Mandy had dreams of making it big in the country music world – as many do – and this was encouraged by her father who wanted her to sing on that level. He would enter her in talent shows. More than that though, Mandy wanted to be a wife and mother which she has done. She married Dustin Millsaps and the couple has two children, Grace and Kade.
At one of the heritage festivals in Robbinsville, I was surprised to hear someone yodeling. As I got closer to the stage, there was Mandy singing “Cowboy Sweetheart” and yodeling away. Mandy says she taught herself to yodel after hearing people yodel on the TV show “Hee Haw” and decided that she could do that.
In time to come, Mandy began to realize that her calling was to sing for God, a far greater calling that that of being a country music star. Mandy says she uses her singing as part of her worshipping God and that is when she feels the closest to Him.
Marshall McClung is the historical columnist for The Graham Star. He can be reached via email, mcclungs@email.com.