William Henry Sexton
March 19, 1946 - July 28, 2022
William Henry Sexton (Bill) passed peacefully on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. He was 76 years old. He left behind his brother, Robert Louis Sexton (Bob), his nephew Thomas William Sexton and his two nieces Elizabeth Anne Sexton and Katherine Marie Sexton Steck.
Bill grew up in Burlingame and attended Lincoln School, Burlingame Intermediate School and Mills High School. He had an amazing career as a quarterback at Mills High and the University of Arizona.
Bill spent several years in the Army as a 1st Lieutenant stationed in South Korea during the Vietnam War where he served with his lifelong friends Bob Moomaw and Ernest Parker. After completing his military duty, Bill had a very successful career in real estate. He loved to travel. He lived a full life.
Bill was a legacy in Burlingame and Millbrae. He could not walk down Burlingame Avenue or Broadway Millbrae without engaging in a conversation with someone. Everyone knew Bill.
Bill was a kind and charitable man. He touched the lives of many who were down on their luck. He loved giving to veteran causes and to Save the Redwoods (a favorite charity of his parents, the late Frank and Willa Sexton). Bill made a number of significant donations to his alma mater, Mills High School.
Thanks to those who comforted Bill in his final days: Henry and Jack Hofmann, Bill Cohendet, Lou Ruma and Tricia Pedersen.
In the words of George Eliot,
"Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them."
Rest in Peace Bill. Never to be Forgotten.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 6 to Jul. 7, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for William Sexton

Sponsored by Chapel of the Highlands.

27 Entries

Lance

June 30, 2024

It is hard to believe it has been 2 years since Bill's passing. I miss our friendship a lot.

Marlene

February 28, 2024

Sleep well sweet William
You were a classic and won't be forgotten
I'll see you in my dreams
Always and forever, Marlene

Bob Moomaw

July 1, 2023

One of the times when Bill visited me in Birmingham I took him to a popular meat and three in the city. When we were ready to leave, I stopped by the cashier to pay and Bill was missing. He had gone back through the line and got a bowl of black eyed peas and was standing there eating them and said "you can't get these in San Francisco". Every time I eat black eyed peas, which is often, I can still see him standing there in line among all those folks holding the bowl and enjoying his blackeyed peas. There was only one Bill Sexton and I feel so blessed to have had him for a friend those 52 years.

David Howell

February 24, 2023

So saddened to hear of Bills passing. He was good friends with my older brother Bob. They were friends through Lincoln Elementary, Burlingame Intermediate School, and Mills High, and they kept in touch in later years. I ran into Bill, frequently, at Prime Time and he was always warm and friendly. I have good memories of Bill, and may he Rest In Peace, and I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family, and all who knew Bill.

Kim Boyd Bermingham

August 15, 2022

I'm so sad to hear that Bill has passed away. He was a really special person. I enjoyed working with him and our chats over the years.

Ernest Parker, Jr.

August 5, 2022

I met Bill Sexton in 1968 at Fort Lee, Virginia during a break while attending an Army QMC recruitment session. At this time we did not realize that this brief meeting was the beginning of a 52-year friendship between a California 1st Lt. and an Alabama 1st Lt..
When I reminisce about Bill and my lifelong friendship, many fond memories surface. Our strong friendship began during Bill and my Army tour at Camp Jesup, Korea. The fact that we both received change of orders from Vietnam to Korea was not an accident. The change of orders was the result of an inquiry I made to a Major from Washington, D.C. who was sent to recruit Lieutenants to volunteer for a tour in Europe. He informed me that he also had openings in Korea if I would immediately volunteer for one of the slots. I submitted my request and received my change of orders from Vietnam to Korea. After receiving my change of orders, I informed Bill about this option and he immediately submitted his request. He was elated when he received his orders to report to Camp Jesup, Korea where we served our tour together. Bill never forgot my role in his change of orders and would often call me throughout our 52 years of friendship and say, "Thank you for saving my bacon!"
Several of my favorite memories include Bill visiting with my family and me in Tuscaloosa, Al and my family and me visiting with him in Burlingame. We frequently met at various locations to attend Alabama football games and visit important tourist sites in California and New Orleans.
Bill advised me in real estate issues and was instrumental in helping me decide to invest in rental properties. He frequently checked in with me to receive an update and make recommendations. Due to Bill's successful real estate investments, I respected and appreciated his advice.
Through the years of our friendship, I observed that Bill always knew the right thing to say and do to recognize individuals, celebrate a friend's accomplishment, honor a person in a first-class way and help individuals who were in financial need. He was very generous with his time and money!
My family and I are very fortunate to have had such a thoughtful and caring friend. We recognize that there was only one "Bill Sexton" in the world who lived life "His Way." I feel very fortunate that he shared a part of his life with my family and me. Bill, you will be GREATLY MISSED by the Parker family and will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!!

Dean Joost

August 2, 2022

Bill and I became teammates at Mills High 1964 on the varsity football team . He the senior quarterback and myself the starting sophomore half back .. Bill could throw strikes all over the field . He fully understood my initial apprehension in this role as a neophyte / rookie and constantly encouraged me throughout the season . His mentoring attitude carried over into many aspects of life . We became fast friends. His humorous and occasional off the wall escapes were a constant source of amazement and learning. Bill thank you for your friendship and myriad insights .. Until we meet again , your friend Deano..

Dave Chesnosky

July 17, 2022

I grew up in Burlingame and one of my best friend's was Damon Lembi, one of Bill's closest friends was Damon's dad Walt, so I met Bill at a young age. Over the years I got to know him by running into him on Burlingame Ave. or just giving him a call checking in. He was always such a great guy to me and I could tell really cared about me and what was going on in my life. He would give me advice and encouragement with work and relationships.

I remember years ago I took my then girlfriend's mom at the time to the Giants game and we ran into Bill, he was saying the nicest things to my GF Mom about me and told me he was proud of me for being a gentlemen and taking her to the game.

Bill really was just a solid person I will miss him.

Gail Welborn Wroblewski

July 15, 2022

Bill and I met at UCSB. I had gone to High School with his brother Bob. So I got to know both the Sexton brothers. What a privilege. Bill took me under his wing my freshman year and made sure I always had a date and advised me on where the good parties would be. We connected again years later and went out to dinner up in Burlingame. He ordered mushroom soup and sent I back because it tasted burnt. I think of that and smile whenever I have mushroom soup.
I remember him as tall....real tall....and gentle , with a sweet grin.
I´m glad Bob and I stay connected through Facebook. My heart goes out to Bob and his family. Bill will be missed. See you in Heaven, Bill

Don Joost

July 14, 2022

Bill and I were Ray Park friends . Even though he went to Lincoln , and I was a Coolidge cool cat , we were friends at Ray Park.
We went to Mills High together , he was the star QB and I was his receiver .
We had a great high school experience.
We went to different colleges, yet when he got out of ROTC, we went to Hawaii together . He got his orders to Viet Nam , and thought he was done, but ended up in Korea.
He came back and we roomed together in SF , both working at Skyline Realty in SF.
Bill was the Best Man in my wife , Ellen and my wedding .
He was always a caring , and close friend.
We will miss him , and I think the world will miss him !!

Terry Andreacchi

July 14, 2022

I remember Bill as a great contributor to the Mills Vikings football team. Bill would often stop and join us for coffee on Burlingame avenue... He will be missed Terry Andreacchi

Donna Smith

July 13, 2022

Bill & I met in Hawaii beside the pool more than 20 years ago. I was traveling with my dad, who was in real estate--so they talked for hours at a time. After my dad passed, Bill and I became family. We traveled to Hawaii together multiple times a year, talked many times a day, every single day, sometimes for hours. He taught me so much, mentored me in business, protected & advised me and could always make me smile. We just "got" each other. He changed my life in many ways and I will always be grateful for all the years we had together. I look forward to the day we see each other again--and will have him in my heart until then, He was a remarkable, talented, caring, "giant". He was loved and respected by many. And in later years he was a warrior for America's values, God and freedom. He will be missed so, so much.

Rick Hanson

July 12, 2022

Bill Sexton
Bill was a special friend to the Hanson family, especially to twin brothers( Ed and Dick). Bill was taught and coached by Ed at Burlingame Intermediate School. Ed and Bill built a long friendship until Ed´s passing in 2001. From that time Bill and Dick´s friendship flourished.
Bill´s tremendous support during Dick´s battle with cancer and passing in 2004 was one of a kind. Upon learning of Dick´s terminal diagnosis, Bill organized and financed a luau in the Hanson´s backyard. Bill´s quote was " if you can´t go to Hawaii ( Dick and Marilyn´s favorite vacation spot) then we will bring Hawaii to you." Bill´s quick action and thoughtfulness brought over a 100 family member and friends to Dick´s farewell party.
Once again Bill friendship expanded, this time to me. Bill and I shared many lunches on Burlingame Avenue. Bill was an active supporter of my Mills High School basketball teams. As a coach at Mills for 25 years, I can attest to Bill´s numerous donations to the Mills athletics.
Bill will be greatly missed.

Tom Sexton

July 12, 2022

I am so blessed to have had Bill as an uncle. He was a compassionate man and he taught me the true meaning of hard work. I remember when I was a young kid he created a timeline for me that indicated the path to success. There are no shortcuts and everyone has to put the work in. I still think of what my Uncle Bill told me every time I´m in a rut, to motivate myself to keep going. I look up to him and hope to make him proud with my actions and beliefs.

Bill was an incredible giver. He gave back to the community. I recall walking the streets of San Francisco at a young age and seeing my uncle pass out a hundred dollar bill to a homeless person. This was not an uncommon event for him. Last year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, he drove nightly between Burlingame and Redwood City handing out hundred dollar bills to the homeless.

Everywhere we went on the Peninsula people would stop and talk to my uncle. He was truly loved.

Although unfortunate circumstances took his life early, I feel so blessed to have been able to spend time with him over the last few months. I miss him and I will never forget him. Thank you for letting me be part of your life!

Marlene

July 12, 2022

"The deep pain that is felt at the death of every friendly soul arises from the feeling that there is in every individual something which is inexpressible, peculiar to him alone, and is, therefore, absolutely and irretrievably lost" Arthur Schopenhauer
Rest in peace Bill. You are missed. Marlene

Cara Mia Lembi

July 11, 2022

When Damon (my now husband) and I first started dating I met Bill. I hardly knew him then and he called me on my cell phone. Just like Bob & Bill's friend from the Sausalito Yacht Club said, "Bill was always the guy you had time for." I knew that back then without even hardly knowing him. He had a charming way of demanding attention. He said he had to talk to me. Like right that minute. It was the middle of the workday. I knew he was important to Damon. I was listening. He proceeded to read me his entire graveside speech from Damon´s father Walt´s funeral (Bill was the Best Man in Walt´s wedding and one of his closest friends). He thought it was important I heard his speech to better understand Walt and Damon. I always thought of him as that kind of guy. The one that when he loved he really loved and wanted the people he loved to know it in whatever way he saw fit.

Stan Pareto

July 11, 2022

Bill entered my life at UCSB when we all moved into the "Animal House" in Isla Vista on Sabado Tarde. It was large enough for 2 students; we had 10 or more. Bill and I shared the same bedroom. We had multiple residents: Jim Sweeny, Thom Dimmitt, Doug Hayes, Dick Kovalcheck, Bill, myself, and many others. All led by Bill. He was the leader. He was "Otter".
After he served his term in the Army and I went to grad school we again became roommates at the Cove Apartments in Tiburon over the water.
Of course, he still led the parties with one big difference:
we began to get serious about careers and business.
He introduced me to the Frank and Walt Lembi and Real Estate. It was Bill who I attribute my career and holdings. It was Bill who played one of the most significant roles in my life.
Goodbye to "Otter" I will miss you a lot.

Joseph Newhoff

July 11, 2022

May you Rest In Peace Bill! Even though I met you a year and a half ago at Christie´s, I am thankful that I had a lot of precious and sincere talks with you, and that you had an opportunity to meet my 96 year old Mom last Christmas season. I appreciated your friendship, even though it was extremely short, but memorable.

EILEEN MCKAGUE

July 10, 2022

Bill and his parents lived directly across the street from me on Ray Drive in Burlingame. I can remember Bill always yelling hi out the window and mentioning he loved the flowers that I planted.

When Bill's mom was ailing, my daughter who was very young at that time, would read to Willa every Tuesday. Bill was very thankful. He was a very compassionate individual and cared for his mother and father until they passed.

Bill, we will miss seeing and saying hi to you around town. You were such a great guy with a heart of gold! We will always remember you...may you rest In peace!

Richard Coakley

July 10, 2022

RIP Bill.

Bob Moomaw

July 9, 2022

I met Bill in 1970 when we were in the army stationed in Korea. I have been more than blessed to have known and have him as a friend these past 52 years. I miss him today and I know I will miss him tomorrow.
RIP Bill, You won't be forgotten.

Damon Lembi

July 9, 2022

I have known Bill all my life. He was an incredible / loyal friend to my Dad (Walt) and probably the most unique characters I have ever met.

I looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed my walks with Bill and the Giants game or two we would go to every year.

For as long as i can remember Bill would call me out of the blue and tell me stories about my Dad back in high school or during their real estate days. I cherished those calls because he helped keep my Dad´s memory alive and I would always have a smile on my face when the call ended.

It meant a lot to me that Bill had the chance to meet my wife (Cara) and daughter (Lucy). Though he never got to meet my son (Walter) named after my Dad the day I called to tell him our boy´s name Bill couldn´t have been more excited for us and he said "Damon, that´s great this world needs another Walt Lembi!"

I miss you Bill, thank you for being so great to me and my family. You brought us alot of happiness and fond memories.

This world could sure use another "Bill Sexton!"

Bob Sexton

July 9, 2022

I remember my Mom told me that when they brought me home from the hospital after I was born my brother Bill´s first words were "can he stay all night?" Well, you got me for 73 years and I couldn´t have been more grateful. You were my hero, mentor, friend, source of wisdom and the best brother one could have. My life has been infinitely better with you. You will always be in my heart. I love you Bill.

Fred Meitz

July 9, 2022

If you were lucky enough to have Bill as a friend, you had a caring, dear friend for life. He was such a positive influence in so many lives including mine. RIP Bill and thank you again for so immensely enhancing my life with your thoughtfulness.

Bob Sexton

July 9, 2022

I remember Mom told me that when they brought me home from the hospital after I was born your first words were "can he stay all night?" Well, you got me for 73 years and I couldn´t have been more grateful. You were my hero, mentor, friend, source of wisdom and the best brother one could have. My life has been infinitely better with you. You will always be in my heart. I love you Bill.

Lance Kelly

July 7, 2022

I feel blessed to have had Bill in my life over the years. We went to many a baseball game, watched several epic movies together, enjoyed the occasional cigar, and shared many a humorous story. Bill was one of most generous, kind, and hilarious people I knew and will be sorely missed.

Thom Dimmitt

July 6, 2022

Bill was a classic. He passed the test (with my bride) to be my best man and I was fortunate to introduce my son to him and have some experiences that involved levity and humor. Most importantly, Bill was a giver and helped people throughout his life...I was one of those people. My condolences to Bob and his family. Big loss.

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results