William "Ray" Calvin Sexton

William Calvin “RAY” Sexton 97 of Springville, VA

Passed away on May 30, 2019  at the James H Quillen VA Medical Center Hospice CLC in Johnson City, TN, with his cherished family at his side. Born  November 21, 1921 in Bramwell, WV, he graduated from Bramwell High School in 1940 and designed the Millionaire emblem for the school.  Ray attended Concord College and was on the basketball team before joining the US Navy.

As a WWII veteran he was a member of the US Navy Armed Guard aboard the USAT Mariposa.  Ray was an active participant in Operation Torch where he assisted in the sinking of an enemy submarine on November 15, 1942 west of Gibraltar. 

He was a life time member of VFW post 9696 of Bluefield, VA

After retiring from Appalachian Power company after a 37 year career in 1982, Ray began woodcarving where he won numerous awards from his craft.  As an avid woodcarver, he  helped found the Mountain Heritage Woodcarvers Guild.  He was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Chapel Tazewell, VA for 40 years. 

Ray was loved by all that met him, he never met a stranger, and welcomed all into his home.  He will be deeply missed by all that knew him. 

Ray was preceded in death by: his parents:  Mason and Bertha Sexton; his wife of 68 years Louessie “RED” Sexton; one daughter Carol Norene Sexton; Grandson Kenneth Paul Sexton Jr and two brothers: Reginald Mason Sexton and Frank Thomas Sexton.

Ray said his greatest accomplishment in life was his family Left to cherish his memory: Brother:  Randolph “Hartman” (Lois) Sexton of Bramwell, WV. Five Children: Daughter: “Molly” (Gale) Robinson of Freeman, WV; Sons:  Mason (Joy) Sexton of Brevard,  NC, Alan (Debi) Sexton of Princeton, WV, William (Nancy) Sexton of Shelbyville, TN and Kenneth Sexton of Galena MO.

16 Grandchildren: Tracy (Chad) Trexler, Nikki (Darrell) Poe, Joseph (Courtney) Sexton, Joshua (Whitney) Sexton, Cameron (Victoria) Sexton, Catherine Sexton, Hannah Sexton, Micah Sexton, Susannah Sexton, Zachary Sexton, Christian Sexton, Brett (Jennifer) Sexton, Bart (Heather) Sexton, Jeffery (Tina) Sexton, Lori Sexton and Michelle Sexton. 

22 Great-Grandchildren:

         Stormy Trexler

         Thomas Trexler

         Dominick Hodges

         Kylie Poe

         Kendyll Poe

         Cason Sexton

         Charlie Sexton

         Eben Sexton

         Emmitt Sexton

         Khiana Sexton

         Kenzie Sexton

         Brett Temple

         Laura Sexton

         Michael Sexton

         Malala Sexton

        Olivia Sexton

        Emily Sexton

        Billy Sexton

        Sabrina Sexton

        Sean (Jennah) Sexton

        Daniel Sexton

        Nathan Sexton

3 Great-Great Grandchildren:

         Macie Sexton

         Jaymeson Heath

         Tanner Heath

Several nieces and nephews

A very special thank you to the CLC staff at JHQ VAMC you became another part of his family and will be remembered for the excellent care and love you gave to him.

Services:

Sunday June 2, 2019

Craven Shires funeral home

Family will receive visitors from 1:00-3:00

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 following visitation and officiated by

Dr. Chuck Trent.

Ray will be laid to rest beside his loving wife “Red”

At Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton, WV

Military Honors: VFW Post 9696

Pall Bearers: Grandsons/Great grandsons

Jeffery Sexton

Billy Sexton

Joseph Sexton

Joshua Sexton

Cameron Sexton

Micah Sexton

Zachary Sexton

Christian Sexton

Thomas Trexler

Dominick Hodges

The family will receive online condolences at www.cravens-shires.com.

The Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road, Bluefield, WV is in charge of arrangements.