Baton Rouge, LA - Raymond "Gray" Sexton passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2026, following a brief illness.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Suzanne Fournet Sexton; his sons, David Sexton (Marcia) and Scott Sexton (Anja); his beloved sister, Jessie Sexton Williams; his stepchildren, Jill Roshto and Terence Roshto; his honorary daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Ricky Bearden; and six beloved grandchildren: Robin Sexton, Nicholas and Andrew Roshto; Elizabeth, Anna, and Kate Bearden. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kathleen Hains (Johnny); his brother-in-law, Marc Fournet (Karen); his goddaughter, Audrey Ducote Bell and her father Jerome Ducote; his cherished longtime executive assistant, Alice Diez; along with associates Alesia Ardoin, Blair Naquin, and Blane Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Raymond Sexton and Valentine Clements Sexton; in-laws Charles Williams, Walter Fournet III, Jackie and Jim Daughtry and his cherished friend, Jimmy Taylor.

A native of Pineville, Louisiana, Gray was a proud graduate of Centenary College and the Louisiana State University Law School. He practiced law in Baton Rouge for more than 60 years, a profession he loved deeply until the very end. He founded The Law Offices of R. Gray Sexton and served for four decades as General Counsel to the Louisiana Board of Ethics and the Supervisory Committee on Campaign Finance Disclosure. In that role, he represented the State of Louisiana in administrative and judicial proceedings and helped shape Louisiana's ethics and campaign finance laws from their inception. Widely recognized as one of Louisiana's foremost authorities on governmental ethics, campaign finance, lobbying, and public sector law, Gray was especially proud of his role in authoring Louisiana's Ethics Code and Campaign Finance Disclosure provisions.

Throughout his distinguished legal career, Gray earned the respect of judges, attorneys, elected officials, and clients alike for his brilliant legal mind, unwavering professionalism, and commitment to public service. He also remained deeply committed to his alma maters, serving on the Centenary College Board of Governors and as a member of the inaugural class of the LSU Law Center Hall of Fame. He was a member of Bocage Racquet Club, a member of the Board of Directors at The Country Club of Louisiana where he was a member for thirty-eight years and former President of the CCLA Homeowners Association.

While Gray's professional accomplishments were extraordinary, his greatest joy came from the people in his life. He treasured his family, valued his friendships, and was profoundly grateful to the many mentors and colleagues who influenced his career. He genuinely appreciated Lane Grigsby, who served as his primary mentor and steadfast professional supporter throughout his career. He also valued colleagues Brad Dutruch, Ken Dutruch, Justin Haydel, Ken Jacob, Mike Polito, Dave Roberts, and the Robinson Brothers family, among many others.

Outside of the courtroom, Gray was every bit as competitive on the tennis court. His favorite place was Court Two at the Country Club of Louisiana, where he spent countless hours with his beloved "Fearless Foursome"—Brad Lanehart, Gerald Garrison, and Tommy Jeter and alternates Stephen McCollister and Rusty Jenkins. Those friendships, forged through years of competition and laughter, brought him immeasurable happiness. In addition to those friendships Gray was passionate about American Brilliant Period Cut Glass and loved sharing that passion with Fred Coveler and Jeff Sherwin.

Gray wanted to extend heartfelt appreciation to his dear friend and physician, Dr. Ed Vinci, for his exceptional care and friendship over the years. He also never missed an opportunity to mention one of his favorite companions, his grand-pup, Scarlett, who always brought a smile to his face.

Gray lived a life defined by intellectual curiosity and loyalty to his friends and family. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service to the legal profession, to the State of Louisiana, and to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will be Monday, July 6 at St. John's United Methodist Church, 230 Renee Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from 11:00am - 12:45pm, with a Celebration of Life Service at 12:45pm. A private interment will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Centenary College Scholarship Fund, LSU Law Center Scholarship Fund or St. John's United Methodist Church.