Ronald Gaius Sexton was born on November 19, 1946 and was called home into Glory on October 11, 2020.  He was the son of Jess and Bernice Doss Sexton and a brother to Sue Bullock, Ann Flannigan, Jimmy Sexton, Danny Sexton, and Phyllis Denney. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings Danny, Sue, and Ann.

Ronnie married Patsy L. Bell on March 30, 1969. Ronnie and Patsy had three children: Jennifer (Billy) Pittman, Ronald Gordon (Jeannie) Sexton, and Amy Cash. He was a beloved "Papa" to Jesse (Nicholas) West, Charity (Rhett) Ramsey, Samantha Sexton, Grayson Cash, and Oakley Gregory. Ronnie had a special relationship with Jansen (Becky) Upchurch and his children, Lashanda (Aaron) Denham (Camden and Ava), Kyle Upchurch (Boone), and Corey (B.J.) Duncan (Emmie) as well as Ashley, Kalep, and Arin Pittman.

Ronnie grew up in the Flat Springs community of Wayne County in a farming family. He attended and graduated from Wayne County High School in 1964. Afterwards, he left for Indiana and worked for International Harvester. In 1966, he was drafted and at the age of 19, he left for basic training at Fort Knox and later at Fort Riley. He then boarded an airplane and flew to San Francisco, CA to board a ship to Vietnam. He served in the 9th Infantry Division of the United States Army, serving until he was wounded in Vietnam and transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for recovery. Ronnie received an Honorable Discharge, was a recipient of the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal, his Combat Infantry Badge, and Marksmanship Award (Rifle M-14).

Ronnie accepted Christ as his Savior in 1972 and was baptized at the First Baptist Church. He has been a faithful member of the Steubenville Baptist Church since 1985. He served in many ways and in many areas from clearing snow-covered parking lots to sitting up all night roasting a pig, from singing in the choir to serving supper to a bunch of hungry kids in Awana. Cooking and serving all those kids were some of his most enjoyable times, especially when talking with JROTC members.

Ronnie was a farmer for over 50 years. He raised cattle and grew many crops of soybeans, corn, tomatoes, and tobacco. He grew produce that was bought by most local Wayne Countians and enjoyed visiting with each one of them. Whenever he could, he spent time camping and being out on the lake with his family. During the Joe B Hall years at UK, Ronnie was an avid basketball fan and attended many games. He was also a regular at the Farm Machinery Show checking out new equipment that he knew he wasn't going to buy, and watching the tractor pulls.

He was a member of the Daughters of American Revolution, a Kentucky Colonel, and also belonged to the local D.A.V., chapter 105 for 43 years. He served on the D.A.V.'s Honor Guard and participated in many fundraisers, parades, and funerals for fellow veterans. He was quick to offer a helping hand, whether it be at building a wheelchair ramp for someone in need or taking food to someone that might have been hungry. If you had the chance to talk with him, it didn't take long to figure out how patriotic he was and how proud he was to be a veteran. He also was involved with D.A.A.D. (Defensive Action Against Drugs) and worked Back to School bashes and Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs tournaments.

Ronnie was a hard worker and expected those around him to be also. He was opinionated, liked a good argument, and a good story. He could hurt your feelings, but at the same time he would turn around and help you with whatever you needed. He loved his family, his friends, and his church family. He has touched many lives with his thoughtfulness and his kindness. His servant's heart will truly be missed by all that knew and loved him.

We remember Ronnie for the kind of man he was: imperfect, servant-hearted, and hard working.

Thank you, Ronnie, for your service to our country and thank you for your influence in others' lives.

Fly high, Soldier!

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 between 5 pm – 8 pm in the chapel of the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 2 pm at the Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Elk Spring Cemetery.  Military honors will be provided by our local DAV Chapter 105.

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to:  Steubenville Baptist Church Building Fund, Hospice of Lake Cumberland, or DAV Chapter 105

Due to the current COVID-19 situation and upon recommendations from the Governor's Office for Funeral Homes, there will be some restrictions for service attendance. You are asked to please wear a mask or facial covering and observe the social distancing guidelines. No communal food or drinks are allowed at this time. Please feel free to sign the online guestbook or send a private condolence message through our website.