William Joseph Sewell was born on April 6, 1928, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. His parents were Virgil Sewell and Flossie Thomas. He married JoNell Ingram as a young seminarian. They had three children together: Kathleen Louise, Suzanne Marie, and William Joseph.
His life was devoted to the ministry; he pastored churches for more than 40 years. After retiring, he continued to minister to others even in the last days of his life, giving bi-weekly devotionals at The Village in Germantown.
He was loved by his family, his neighbors, and his friends.