J. Sorrells

CW04 J. R. Sorrells USNR RET, 84, died at his home Monday, September 4, 2006, surrounded by his family. A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County he was the son of the late James Clinton and Sophia Clark Sorrells. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Frances Earley and Iona Mehaffey; and two brothers, Homer and Charles Sorrells. He retired from Champion International with 31 years of service. Mr. Sorrells was instrumental in the formation of the USNR Training Center in Asheville and he served his country for 42 years, 6 months, and 6 days. No man better loved his family, country, or church. In addition to his wife of 60 years, Wilma Conard Sorrells of Canton; he is survived by two sons, Vaughn Sorrells and wife, Janie, and Mike Sorrells and wife, Donna; a daughter, Dottie Trantham and husband, Gerald, all of Canton; a sister, Frances Russell and husband, "Skipper", of Clyde; three brothers, Garrett Sorrells and wife, Martha, of San Diego, J. C. Sorrells, Jr. of Clyde, and Frank Sorrells and wife, Wanda, of Safety Harbor, FL; six grandchildren, Jeff, Steve, Dusty and Cody Sorrells, Denny Trantham and Laura Bradshaw; and six great-grandchildren. The family wishes to express a special thanks to his caregivers, Anne Weatherford, RN and Dr. Jim Hoer. A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 7, 2006, at Oak Grove Baptist Church with the Reverend Bruce Cayton, Reverend Doug Love, and Mr. Hugh Earley officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 p.m. Wednesday at Wells Funeral Home of Canton. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Jeff and Steve Sorrells, Denny Trantham, Dusty and Cody Sorrells; and nephews, Jimbo and Phil Sorrells; and Phillip Rhinehart. Memorials may made to Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 39 Robinson Road, Clyde, NC 28721; Haywood Regional Medical Center Hospice, 560 Leroy George Drive, Clyde, NC 28721, or to Morning Star United Methodist Church Improvement Fund, 2535 Dutch Cove Road, Canton, NC 28716.

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