Sean O'Kelley Albritton

Sean left home and joined the military at the young age of 17. He was a member of the Army for 13 years. He started his enlistment at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Tx. where he met his wife of 28 years Manuela. Then he decided he wanted to transfer to Manuela’s homeland so they got transferred to Buedingen, Gemany where they first decided to become foster parents. Then they came back to the States where they landed at Ft. Riley Ks. and continued their quest to be foster parents. While serving his country he also became an avid hunter becoming a certified hunting instructor as well as a hunting guide. While in the military he received numerous awards and special recognitions as well as an Honorable Discharge.

After he retired from the Army they moved back home to Winter Haven, Fl. where they continued the foster parenting and he joined the Polk County Sherriffs Department as a Detention Deputy. While Serving as a Detention Deputy he continued his education, as he did while in the military, becoming a certified instructor for Defensive Tactics, Firearms, Shotgun and taser as well as many other certificates and acheivements. In 2001 he became dual certified as a Law Enforcement Officer as well. He was a member of the Polk County Sherriffs Department for 14 years and 2 months before getting injured on the job and having to retire. Sean truly loved working for the Sherriff’s Department and was always willing to help in any way he could. While serving as a Deputy he was also a member of the PCSO Honor Guard.

When Sean and Manuela were foster parents he loved doing everything he could for the children. One year he received permission to take the 16 children living in there home to ride on the Sherriff Department’s Halloween Float in the Bartow Parade. He also loaded up all 16 and took a midnight trip to Tampa by Himself to welcome the Bucs home from their Super Bowl victory. He coached his girls Softball teams and went to all Football functions for his boys willing to do whatever to show the children someone does care. He was always a great sportsman, passing it on to countless kids that he meet over the years. His focus was largely on Honor, Sean reflected that in everything he did. His life certainly reflected honor on himself and his family. He loved to teach his children how to be good, giving, honest, and helpful to anyone in need. He would help the kids with homework as well as teach them how to listen, fix things, grill and cook meals. Over the years he may have only adopted 7 but hundreds of children came though his home alone and left always having a special place in Sean’s heart and a permanent member of his family.

Sean had an amazing sense of humor. He always had funny stories to share, and kept family and friends laughing. He was also incredibly intelligent and was knowledgable about many topics, some of which would surprise others. He was tactical and efficient in just about every activity. He really enjoyed an intelligent debate. He was a capable cook and had many well loved dishes. His favorite food was fajitas, but he was loved for his omelets, crockpot meals and some of the best baked beans ever.

Sean was truly a great man, he always prided himself on being honorable to teach his kids to protect and serve. He was truly a loving, devoted,and the best Husband and Father always fixing and building things in and around the house. He also loved farming, every morning he would step out of the house with his coffee, into his sanctuary, and would spend time with the rest of his family. The dogs, chickens, ducks, cows, horses, and especially “his” herd of goats that he dearly loved.

Sean was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Myer Albritton, grandparents, J.D. and Lucile O’Kelley, and Aileen Albritton. He is survived by his wife, Manuela Albritton, children, Michelle, Allen, Alexis, Jarrett, Dusty, Blake, and Summer Albritton, his mother and step father, Judy and Earl Johnson, two brothers, Stephen Albritton and Shayne Williamson, and a grandson, Talon Albritton.

The World has lost a protector, But Heaven has welcomed a true soldier. We will always love you Sean O’Kelley Albritton