Franklin Sexton

Franklin Christopher Sexton, Jr., 74, of Chattanooga died peacefully on February 23 after a battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents Franklin Sexton, Sr. and Hilda Milstead Sexton, his brother Jeff, and infant daughter Lita. He is survived by his son Nathan Sexton (Katie) of Austin, Texas, two grandsons, Charlie and Ben, and son Caleb Sexton of Chattanooga, his sister Cindy Sexton Gilbert (Gil), his niece Gracie, and cousin Mark Walpole, all of Chattanooga, as well as his friend, Norma.

Chris was born in Memphis and grew up in Richardson, Texas. He graduated from SMU with a degree in biology and German. He was an avid reader and life-long learner, never afraid to face new challenges. His first job was as a researcher for Beth Israel Hospital and Harvard Medical in Boston where his work was published in the journal, Endocrinology. He became fluent in Spanish and went to Peru to do volunteer work. There he met and married Norma, the mother of his children. He was proudest of the sons they raised together.

He worked to become a software engineer and took several positions including government contracts in Dallas. Later in life he moved to Chattanooga to help his aging parents. Here he worked as an interpreter in family court procedures. He loved a good pun and was always quick with a joke or reference to the Three Stooges.

Chris stayed active, walking his sweet rescue dog, Oscar every day until he was hospitalized.

He had a deep faith in God and fought valiantly to survive surgery for esophageal cancer nearly two years ago. His family wishes to thank the compassionate and highly skilled medical professionals who cared for him. Especially Dr. Rob Headrick and Dr. Derek Holland. Also the caring staff at Parkridge Medical Center and Hospice of Chattanooga.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life at 3:30 Thursday, March 28 at the Heritage House in Heritage Park, 1428 Jenkins Road in Chattanooga.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Chris or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Sexton family with these arrangements.