United States were being drafted into service to our country. “When I was seventeen, I decided to join the US Navy instead of being drafted into the army” stated Fred. This time also saw four of Fred’s brother enlist as well. Losing so much of the labor force on the dairy farm prompted Fred’s father to leave the business during this time. Fred’s military service began with him travelling to basic training for a few months. After this he was to report to Norfolk VA to board a ship for transfer overseas. As fate would have it, Fred ended up being late and missed the ���������� ������ ������������������ �������� ���������� ������������ ���������� �������� ���������� ���������� ������ New York before leaving. “The Navy tried to get me to New York to get on that boat, but I missed it by a few minutes again” he said. As it turned out Fred was most fortunate to have missed this boat twice. “ I found out later that after leaving New York that ship was torpedoed by a German submarine. More than six hundred men died” he stated. At the end of the war Fred returned to Lillington. Since he had left high school early to enlist he decided to return and ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� NC for one year. In 1949, he returned home with the decision to start a used car lot in Angier. His brother Jim had already done the same in Lillington. “In 1950 my brother Jim asked me to join him as partner at his car lot in Lillington, so I did. We became 50/50 partners at that point” he related. That same year an opportunity presented itself to the brothers. They were approached with an offer to open a Pontiac Pictured left: Fred Sexton(right) with one of his Navy bud��ies (left) dealership, which they decided to do. They sold Pontiac cars and GMC trucks at this dealership. Then in 1957 they had another opportunity to buy into a Ford dealership, so at that time they sold the Pontiac business and became Ford dealers. They built the new Ford lot at the corner of Hwy 421 and Hwy 210, the site which is now the current home of John Heister Chevrolet. Over the years Fred Sexton acquired much property in the Lillington area. He built over twenty rental houses, many of which are still standing. He even owned a hotel in town at one time. During his lifetime, he has been responsible for providing the land and buildings that many Lillington businesses stand today. He has truly been instrumental in shaping this town into what it is today. One local business owner, Don Johnson of C&J Auto has nothing but good things to say about Fred. “He has done a lot for our town and a lot for the people in this town” said Johnson. “As a matter of fact, if not for Fred Sexton I would not be where I am today” he added. Johnson went on to explain that the land and building where his business is located was acquired from Sexton. Today Fred Sexton is long since retired, but continues to maintain an active lifestyle even at ninety years old. He lives in Lillington with his lovely wife Faye. “I try to keep busy” he says. “I don’t have much to do, but then again, I don’t need much!” he exclaimed. Fred also has a daughter Joan Campbell and a grandson, Jay who will graduate from NC State this year. Pictured right: Fred Sexton with his brother Jim Page 9
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