Wendell Duel Sexton

Wendell Duel Sexton, 83, of Cleveland, Tennessee, formerly of Harriman, Tennessee, was born in Asheville, North Carolina on February 26, 1943 and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 18, 2026. Wendell spent most of his life in Harriman. He built a life centered around family, hard work, and responsibility, values that shaped the way he lived every day.

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Wendell spent much of his career as an entrepreneur in the automobile industry at Sexton Buick Oldsmobile and later Sexton Cook Motors. He believed in working hard, treating people right, and doing what he said he would do. Those who knew him knew him as disciplined, dependable, and proud to provide for his family.

Faith was the foundation of Wendell's life. He served for many years as a deacon at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church and later Shenandoah Baptist Church. He loved sharing the word of Jesus, encouraging others in their faith, and trying to live his life with honesty, humility, compassion, and service to others.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and the "sunshine" of his life, June Rosemary Mullinix Sexton; his parents, Arvel Lee Sexton and Audrey Alene Brooks Sexton; his sister, Alma Sexton Rouse; and his infant brother, Calvin Sexton. He is survived by his children, Larry Alan Sexton and wife, Colleen Sexton, and Karen Janell Wells and husband, Rick Wells; and his grandchildren, Chase Alan Sexton and Leanna Rae Sexton and fiancé, Hunter Shifley.

To those who knew him well, Wendell was much more than the serious and disciplined man he often appeared to be. He had a quick wit, a mischievous sense of humor, and loved laughter, playful pranks, and time spent with family and friends. He enjoyed intellectual challenges, puzzles, learning, and creative problem-solving. Curious by nature, he approached life with determination and never accepted the word can't.

Wendell was also an avid student of health, healing, and wellness. Even during his final illness, he viewed what he was going through as an opportunity to learn, encourage, and help others walking similar paths. He hoped the knowledge gained through his illness might one day benefit someone else.

Above all, Wendell loved Jesus, his family, and others more than himself. Though often serious in responsibility, his life was defined by faith, sacrifice, strength of character, quiet generosity, and deep love for those entrusted to his care. His legacy will live on in the family he loved, the values he instilled, and the lives he touched through his example.

Receiving of friends will be held Thursday, May 21st at 5:00 - 6:00 PM at Shenandoah Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN. Funeral services will follow at 6:00 PM with Pastor David Gamble officiating. Burial will be on Friday, May 22nd at 11:00 AM at Witt Baptist Church Cemetery in Morristown TN.

In lieu of flowers, Wendell requests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to Shenandoah Boys Ranch or Shenandoah Haven Academy for Young Ladies through Shenandoah Baptist Church 423-339-0103.