Richard Andrew Sessoms

On Saturday, March 9, 2024, as the new day’s dawn broke, Andy Sessoms awoke giving thanks for another day.  Though his body was frail and tired, his spirit was full of grateful appreciation to be able to draw another determined breath.  He lived his life through the Lord and was ready to leave when the Lord called him into his eternal care after a two-year battle with cancer. His faith, love of family, good humor, and ability to master any craft were hallmarks of his remarkable character and life.  

Andy was born and raised in Apex, North Carolina to parents William and Kathryn Sessoms.  He graduated from Apex High School where he lettered in football and basketball. He attended North Carolina State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nuclear Engineering. Soon after graduating from NC State, he married the love of his life, Linda Heath Sessoms. They enjoyed fifty-eight years of marriage while building a wonderful life together. He served seven years in the Navy Reserves, receiving an Honorable Discharge following his last assignment onboard the USS Truxton. His career as a Nuclear Engineer included work with Florida Power and Light, TVA, and Entergy Corporation.  Andy received many outstanding awards and commendations throughout his career. 

Andy was always ready to serve and be involved in his community. He was a long-time resident of Signal Mountain, Tennessee where he raised his family. He served as a deacon, elder, and session member at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church as he did at every church he attended throughout his life. He later served on the board of Lane Memorial Hospital in Zachary, Louisiana. Andy enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, designing plans for just about any project, wood working, painting, music, playing cards, fishing, and cheering on the Wolfpack. Over the years, he enjoyed traveling with friends and family.

Andy is survived by his wife Linda, his daughter Suzanne Sikes (Mike), his son David Sessoms (Ashley), his sister, Katie L. Sessoms, his sister-in-law, Mary Justice, and his grandchildren Wylie Sikes, Jesse Sikes, Madeline Klinetobe (William), and Harrison Sessoms.  He was preceded in death by his father, William (Bill) Sessoms, mother, Katherine Holland Sessoms, and sister, Sandra L. Sessoms, MD. 

Andy was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important – the simplicity of living a life with those you love, but more importantly, a good man.

Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Pittsboro Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to:  Pittsboro Presbyterian Church, PO Box 713, Pittsboro, NC, 27312.

Donaldson Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Sessoms family.