JOHN SORRELLS

John Ellis Sorrells, 86, of Staunton returned to his heavenly home on Tuesday, May 1, 2024. He passed peacefully, surrounded by those that loved him dearly. 

John was born to the late Edgar and Lucille Conner Sorrells on Dec. 1, 1937, in Rockbridge County.

In 1962 John met the love of his life, Edna Southers. They married in 1963 and were happily married for 59 years until her passing in 2022. The two raised and loved eight children together. 

In addition to being a faithful man who loved the Lord and his family, John was a vocalist for a gospel band that would spread the word of God through their music while visiting churches, jails and community centers. He also served his country by dedicating four years of his life to the U.S. Navy in which he was stationed on the USS Robert A. Owens DDE827.

John is survived by so many that loved him including his children and spouses, Gloria Riley of Staunton, Teresa Gardner (Wendell) of Stuarts Draft, Tony Sorrells (Amanda) of Greenville, Mary Spangler (Gary) of Weyers Cave, John “Johnny” Sorrells Jr. (Charlene) of Swoope, Darine Sorrells (Denise) of Middlebrook, and Cathy Lindsay (Brian) of Staunton. John is also survived by his sibling, Mary Jane Harvey of Raphine. Mr. Sorrells also has 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren that he loved and cherished dearly. 

Now that John has passed into the arms of our Lord, he will be reunited in the kingdom of heaven with the love of his life, Edna Sorrells; son, Timothy Sorrells; sister, Irene Howard; brothers, Henry, James and Kenneth Sorrells; son-in-law, Curtis “Buck” Riley; and his great-granddaughter, Taylor Sorrells Marion. 

The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Tiffany, Joy, and Robin at Shenandoah Hospice for all their loving care.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, May 6, at Rockbridge Memorial Gardens.   

Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.