James ‘Ron’ Sexton, 80, of Louisville, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2024 at Norton Women and Children’s Hospital. Born on October 21, 1943 in Gradyville and a graduate of Adair County High School, Ron lived a full and vibrant life marked by his deep love for family, dedication to his community, and diverse interests.
Ron proudly served in the United States Air Force as an Airman Second Class for six years. Following his military service, he embarked on a successful career at General Electric, where he worked for 25 years. In the last eight years of his tenure, Ron held a management position, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to excellence in the workplace.
On September 30, 1978, Ron married Margaret Thomas and graciously joined her in tireless commitment of loving, nurturing, and supporting her twin daughters, Kathy Thomas, MD, and Joyce Woodrum, RN BSN. Ron was a stabilizing force in the lives of their daughters, offering unwavering support and patience as they pursued their goals. His steadfast encouragement and belief in their potential were instrumental in their success and well-being. He remained tirelessly committed to their growth and development, while selflessly making his wife his priority after her stroke. Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret, with whom he shared 43 wonderful years.
Ron was a devoted Past Master, 33rd degree, of the Masonic fraternity, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to its principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. He was initiated into the fraternity on December 16, 1972 and was Raised to Light on February 17, 1973. Ron lived and breathed Masonic values, tirelessly working to organize and develop a Degree Team and making significant contributions to his lodge and the community. His dedication to these principles was honored with a 50-year pin in October 2022, reflecting his decades of service and involvement. One of his favorite activities was mentoring mason apprentices and educating them in the principles of the Order until they were ready for their degrees. He was also very active with his wife and daughter Kathy in the Order of the Eastern Star, traveling to a different lodge or chapter almost every night, giving freely of his time and expertise. He was bestowed with multiple life memberships in the Old Masons Home, the Eastern Star Home, and countless other awards from the Masonic Fraternity and Order of the Eastern Star. In addition to his Masonic work, Ron had a deep love for woodworking. He found great satisfaction in crafting beautiful and functional pieces, and his skilled hands created many cherished items for family and friends. His passion for woodworking was a reflection of his patience, creativity, and dedication.
Ron was also an avid reader, with a particular fondness for the works of Louis L’Amour, Alistair MacLean, and Dean Koontz. His love for these authors and their stories brought him joy and enrichment throughout his life. An avid outdoorsman, Ron enjoyed hunting and fishing, finding joy and solace in nature. He was a passionate fan of Kentucky Wildcats basketball, rarely missing a game. In his quieter moments, Ron enjoyed challenging himself with crossword puzzles and trivia, always eager to test his knowledge and skill and learn.
Ron is survived by his twin stepdaughters, Kathy Thomas (Paul) and Joyce Woodrum (Brad); and his niece, Kelly Caldwell (Joey). He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, his sister, Janice Butler, his nephew Eric Butler, and his parents, Ruby and Orval Sexton.
A visitation will be held today, Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Schoppenhorst Underwood & Brooks Funeral Home, 4895 N. Preston Hwy, Louisville, where friends and family are invited to celebrate Ron’s life and legacy. A funeral service will be held Friday, August 23, 2024, at noon with visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service. With burial to follow at Brookland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Masonic Homes of Kentucky, a cause that was dear to Ron’s heart.
This obituary information is a courtesy of Grissom-Martin Funeral Home.
