A system for raising and lowering a sectional overhead door between an open position and a closed position including, a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the door, an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the sectional overhead door in the closed position of the sectional overhead door, at least a portion of the operator motor assembly movable between a door operating position and a door locking position, and a locking assembly (370) having an engaged position to hold the motor assembly in the operating position and a disengaged position to release the motor assembly allowing it to move to the door locking position. The system may be provided with a remote light assembly having a switchable light source in sensing communication with the operator motor such that operation of the motor activates the light source. The system is further provided with a handle assembly (515) operatively engaging the motor assembly (40) and counterbalance system (30) to selectively disconnect the motor assembly (40) from the counterbalance system (30), whereby urging of a rotatable handle (516) to a disconnect position (516′) allows the door (D) to be manually freely moveable with the aid of the counterbalance system (30).