Ronald Thomas Sexton, age 68, passed away on September 18, 2020 in a boating accident on Lake Claiborne in Louisiana. He was born in Kinston, North Carolina to Amos and Lee Sexton, moved to Ruston, Louisiana when he was five years old and lived there for the remainder of his life. Ronnie was a devoted and loving husband, an amazing Dad and the best "Buddy" to his 5 grandkids that loved him dearly. He had a passion for fishing and deer hunting especially at Lake Claiborne, one of his favorite places to be. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and grandkids. He was a man of God who showed his love for others with acts of service in a humble and authentic way.

Ronnie had a MA in history from Louisiana Tech University. He had a Master's of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, an advanced diploma in local history from Oxford University, and a Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Ronnie was an ordained minister who served in both Baptist and Methodist churches. Ronnie had a true passion for teaching. He taught history at Louisiana State University in Shreveport and University of Louisiana Monroe. He also taught at Delta Community College in Monroe.

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lucy Wideman Sexton; son David Sexton and his wife Christina and their children Joseph, Daniel and Hannah; daughter Rachel Sexton Kenney and her children Riley and Cole; and son John Mark Sexton. He is also survived by his brothers Ed Sexton and his wife Carole of Baton Rouge as well as Don Sexton and his wife Patty of Nashville, Tenn., and brother George Whitfield of Goldsboro, North Carolina plus many nieces, nephews and their families.

Visitation will be held at Owens Funeral Home at 2300 West California Avenue starting at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, followed by funeral services at 2 p.m.