Darrell Sexton

Fred Darrell Sexton, 73, entered his eternal heavenly home on December 24, 2022, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Darrell was born November 2, 1949 in Harriman, Tennessee, the son of Fred and Glaria (Ellis) Sexton. Darrell graduated from Central High School in 1967 and was also an Eagle Scout. He attended Hiwassee College in Madisonville, TN and studied civil engineering and transportation at University of Tennessee Knoxville. He was a member of Alpha Phi Omega and the Flying Club. As a child, Darrell had a love for aviation. He earned his private pilot license at age 16. He pursued aviation in 1970 as a corporate and charter pilot until 1979. He earned his Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument license (CFII) in 1970 and Airline Transport Pilot certificate (ATP) in 1974. He resided in Sandusky, OH in 1970 as a corporate and charter pilot. Darrell also served in the Army. Darrell and Jeanne Aiken married in 1977. They moved to Johnson City, TN where Darrell worked as a corporate and charter pilot. In 1979, Darrell graduated top of his class at the Federal Aviation Administration Academy in Oklahoma. He began his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) career as an air traffic controller in Muskegon, MI. He worked for Flight Standards in Raleigh, NC where he investigated plane crashes and promoted safety standards for the FAA. Darrell moved back to Knoxville in 1982 and worked at McGhee Tyson Airport control tower as an Air Traffic Controller until he retired in 2003. During his years as an air traffic controller he was selected to work as a controller multiple years at Sun n' Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, FL and at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Beginning 2003 Darrell was the owner of Sexton Airshows and was the Air Boss and Air Show Planner for Wings Over Big South Fork airshows. He ran an airplane radio shop in Knoxville and joined the Civil Air Patrol where he served as the Wing Safety Officer for 2 years and Group 1 Commander for 4 years. He continued to teach professional development classes and served as a staff member. He was a student advisor for the Southeast Region Staff College. Darrell was a flight instructor and taught aerobatics, a ham radio operator, member of the Quiet Birdman and a Mason. Darrell worked with Stan Brock to develop Remote Area Medical (RAM). He was a FAA Safety Counselor, FAA Safety Representative for the FAA safety program, Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) chapter 17-Knoxville safety officer, and the McGhee Tyson Airport Support Representative. Darrell loved visiting the Smoky Mountains, camping, fishing, spending time with family and friends and was a huge lover of all animals, especially dogs. He always said his greatest joy was his daughter, Carrie Sexton Payne. He often told everyone he met about Carrie and how proud he was of her. Darrell had a strong Christian faith. He was most definitely a people person and loved to talk, laugh, and tell stories. He chose to be positive in all situations in life due to his strong faith.   Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Glaria Sexton. He is survived by his daughter Carrie Sexton Payne, son-in-law Andrew Payne, former wife and very close friend Jeanne Sexton, best friends Dent Young and Roy Abrams, close friend Debra Norrod, and cousin Linda Wright (Roger).  Receiving of friends will be from 5-6:30pm Monday, January 2, 2022 at Smith's Funeral home, Maryville, TN. Funeral will follow at 6:30pm. Graveside service at 1pm Tuesday, January 3, 2022 at Sherwood Memorial Gardens in Alcoa, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Sevier Animal Care Center at 865-465-6300 or Maryville/Alcoa Animal Rescue Center (MAARC) at 865-273-3751. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com