B. Frederick Sexton

Bartholomew Frederick (Fred) Sexton passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2020.  Fred was born on October 22, 1926 on the White Oak Dairy Farm near Lillington to the late James Roger Sexton Sr. and Laura Nevada Parrish Sexton.  He graduated from Lillington High School and proudly served in the US Navy during World War II.  After his Navy service, he attended Presbyterian Junior College.  He returned to Lillington to begin what was to become, after his family, the love of his life – his 60 year career in the automotive business.  Fred started his career with Northern Motor Company in Lillington.  He then founded Sexton Motor Sales, which became Sexton Ford.  Fred was the recipient of many Distinguished Achievement Awards from Ford Motor Company.  He later owned Sexton Chevrolet.  He truly loved his career and the many employees and customers who became part of his life.

Fred was also very involved in his church and community.  He served on the Lillington Town Board as Mayor Pro-Tem.  He was also a member of the Lillington Volunteer Fire Department and the Lillington Jaycees.  He served as the Town of Lillington Planning Board chairman for many years.  He also served as the president of the Lillington Chamber of Commerce, receiving the Community Service Award in 1974.

Fred was an active member of the Lillington United Methodist Church for over 60 years.  He served his church as chairman of the Finance Committee, member of the Board of Trustees, and the Methodist Men.  He also served as head usher.

His memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at Lillington United Methodist Church, with Rev. Laura Beth Casey and Rev. Michael Sowers officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends at a reception at the Atkins House, 111 W. Ivey Street, Lillington.  A private inurnment will be held.

Fred was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary James Manning Sexton; his brothers Billy Sexton, Jim Sexton, and Coll Sexton, his sister Kathryn Sexton Edgerton, and his stepmother Esther Secrest Sexton.

He is survived by his wife, Faye Upchurch Sexton; his daughters Joan Sexton Campbell and husband Jack and Andrea Thomas; his grandchildren John Frederick (Jay) Campbell, Madison Sexton, and Tripp Thomas; his brother Tommy Sexton; his sisters Elizabeth Sexton Earp and Ruth Sexton Rich; and his sisters-in-law Lona Manning Howser, Janie Ruth Manning, and Virginia Upchurch Herring; his dear friend William Mangum; and his beloved dog Coco, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Fred’s wonderful neighbors as well as the staff of Community Home Health and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, PO Box 14608, Greensboro NC  27415 or Community Home Care and Hospice, 1231 N. Main Street, Lillington NC  27546 will be appreciated.

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