William Orden Sexton

On Wednesday, November 20, 2019, William Orden Sexton went home to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 85.  Orden was born on August 14, 1934 in Greenville, AL to Holly and Lucille Sexton.  Orden met the love of his life Dorothy, his soul mate of 56 years in Greenville, where they were also married.  Orden and Dot raised one son, Jason.  Orden served in the Marine Corps prior to attending Athens College and Florence Teachers College where he received his Bachelors in History, as well as a Masters in Administration.  He loved the classroom and seeing students learn. 

Orden started his college academics at Southern Union Junior College where he had football and baseball scholarships. He was also gifted in music.  He played and sang in a quartet while at Athens College named the Athenians.  They traveled the southeast playing and singing on behalf of the College, and as part of their scholarship.  His 1954 Martin was his pride and joy.  While at Athens College, he also had a scholarship to play baseball.  So, the starting catcher also played his Martin and song in the quartet.

Mr. Sexton taught History at Athens Elementary.  He was also the first Principal of Julian Newman Elementary School.  In 1970, he and his family moved to Huntsville, where he was the Assistant Principal at Mountain Gap.  He then served as the Principal of Whitesburg Middle School for 17 years before retiring in 1988.  The faculty members over those years are too numerous to even attempt to name, but they will never know have much they meant to “Mr. Sexton”.  It was truly a pleasure for him to work with them toward the common goal, helping prepare the younger generation for a successful life.

Orden’s passion was American History.  He was fascinated by the Civil War era.  That is most likely why he found it thrilling to research the family tree with Dot.  They spent countless hours in the State Archives in Montgomery to learn about the Sexton family tree.  His cousin Doug gave him a picture of their great-great-grandfather (G. W. Sexton), who served in the Civil War, posed in his military uniform.  What a thrill that was for him.

Orden is preceded in death by Dorothy, his wife of 56 years, his father Holly, his mother Lucille, his brother Willie Hue, his sister Emmy Lou, and his God-given grandson McDaniel Ubi.  He is survived by his son Jason (Linda), his granddaughter Jennifer Turner (Kyle), his grandson Chris, his granddaughter-in-law Allison Brown (Jeremy), God-giving granddaughter Love Ubi Kelly, great-grandchildren Natalie, Oakley, Beckham, and Baby Boy Turner (due in February), his brother Mickey, sister Margaret Herring (Jim), his sister-in-law Linda Herron (Curtis), many cousins, nieces and nephews, and his faithful beloved companion Casey, our 8 lb. Shih Tzu, who already misses him.

On behalf of Dad, Grandpa, Poppa, Orden, Uncle O, etc., the family would like to thank the medical professionals for their wonderful care during this 5 year battle with dementia and dad’s heart/kidney needs: Dr. Michael Carter, Dr. Warren Strickland, Vanessa Banes CRNP, Dr. Smelser, Kindred Home Health, Kindred Hospice, Home Instead and Visiting Angels Senior Caregivers.  We will be forever grateful for their services, kindness, and friendships.

Last, but not least, we thank Mark and Rhonda Slaton and the staff at Legacy Chapel in Madison, AL.  You proved once again, through your graciousness and love while helping us during one of the most difficult times family has to go through, you are indeed fulfilling your true calling.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 10:00 AM.  A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM. Both will take place at Legacy Chapel, 16 Hughes Road, in Madison AL.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the organization of your choice striving for at a cure for dementia and Alzheimer’s.