'Some good news': Former Florida State assistant Sexton battling after suffering stroke
The Sexton family received good news Thursday.
The stroke care team at Tallahassee Memorial HeathCare continues to evaluate the condition of former Florida State assistant coach Billy Sexton, 71, hospitalized since Tuesday after suffering a stroke at his Tallahassee home.
"The brain bleeds have stabilized and we hope that the pressure on his brain will lessen soon," Joy Sexton - Billy's wife of 48 years - told the Democrat Thursday. "This will allow the doctors to know the true state of his condition."
Joy Sexton stressed, however, that Billy has a long way to go. He still can't move his right arm and his legs and is unable to speak. However, Joy said her husband is alert and responsive in other ways and "we are grateful for that."
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Touched by support cards
Joy and daughter Leslie also shared the family has been "touched by the outpouring of support and prayers for Billy. It means the world to our family. Coach has been uplifted by the cards and notes he has received."
The Sexton family also credited "all the professionals at TMH for the care Billy has so far received."
Joy said the family is hopeful Sexton will be admitted to Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital in Jacksonville to continue his recovery.
"We look forward to getting Billy back on his feet and back home," Joy said.
Sexton - part of FSU for more than 30 years as a player, assistant and Director of Development for Seminole Boosters, Inc. - made his mark with Seminole running backs under coach Bobby Bowden.
Sexton coached that segment from 1983-2006. Running backs under Sexton who were first-round NFL draft selections included Warrick Dunn (Bucs, 1997), William Floyd (San Francisco 49ers, 1994), Dexter Carter (San Francisco 49ers, 1990) and Sammie Smith (Miami Dolphins, 1989).
"Billy was very detail oriented and I thought he was a very good motivator," said Smith, director of character development at Ole Miss and a staff member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
"You get to see and appreciate everything from the people that God puts in your lives. Life sometimes is so unexpected, fragile. But I know where Joy's heart is and coach Sexton's heart is. Holding onto that is important."
Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Former FSU assistant, Leon High star Sexton remains hospitalized
