Albert M. Sorrells
September 8, 1927 ~ July 22, 2016
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Arden – Albert M. Sorrells, 88, passed away Friday, July 22, 2016, at his residence.
Mr. Sorrells was born in Buncombe County to the late E.F. and Jesse Miller Sorrells. He was also preceded in death by his wives, Myrtis M. Sorrells and Hilda Austin Sorrells as well as brothers, Robert, Ray, and Jay Sorrells, and sisters Virginia Owensby and Maxine Chumney.
Mr. Sorrells graduated from Oakley High School and served during WW II with the U.S. Navy. He worked with the Buncombe County Sheriff Department for many years and served as Chief Deputy for two different sheriffs, Tom Morrisey and Charlie Long. After appointment by the governor, he also served on the Board of the NC Private Protective Service.
He also worked with the Buncombe County Tax Department and with CP&L before retiring in 1988. He was a member of the Biltmore Masonic Lodge, the Vance Chapter, Order of Eastern Star and the Shriner's Temple.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn D. Sorrells; sons, Hal E. Austin II and Mark Sorrells and his wife, Gina; step-daughter, Audrey A. Lawrence and her husband, Kevin; brothers, Eugene Sorrells and wife Helen, Morris Sorrells and wife Kathryn and Jack Sorrells and wife Louise; sister, Betty Chapman; grandsons, Tanner and Austin Sorrells; and step grandchildren, Crystal and Kevin Lawrence, Jr.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian, 72 Long Shoals Road, Arden, with the Rev. Ron Brown and Sheriff Van Duncan officiating. Burial will follow at Green Hills Cemetery in Asheville. Pallbearers will be deputies of the Buncombe County Sheriff Department.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.
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Carolyn, Family and Ffriends of Albert,
We are truly sorry to hear of Albert’s passing. Please accept our condolences. We pray that God will comfort each of you. We pray that His presence will be with each of you during this difficult time of losing a loved one.
With deepest sympathy,
Phil and Joyce Dover Evans
I am truly sorry for your loss. I pray comfort for your family. With deepest sympathy, Donna Caron
Mark, Hal, Morris & Kathryn, Jack & Louise, Albert was such a good friend to so many people. He lived his Masonic Oath and took very good care of the widows. He was very helpful to our mother when dad passed away. He knew a lot of the ‘ropes’ that had to be taken care of at the time of a death. We had a lot of good times in Biltmore Chapter # 38 and he & Hilda were very supportive of me when I was Worthy Matron.
May God’s love provide the peace and comfort that only HE can provide during these difficult days ahead.
With deepest sympathy.
Betty Ponder, Edwina Ponder McCraw & Guy and Linda Ponder Pressley
Dear Aunt Carolyn,
I’m so sorry I didn’t see this announcement in time to attend the service! I’m so sorry for you loss and hope we can get together in the near future. Love to you and all the family!
Mark , Gina and Family
I’m so sorry to hear about Your Dad’s Passing. I know he will be missed by All.
I will certainly keep you in my thoughts and prayers It is so hard I know.
My Deepest Sympathy.
Becky Parris
I was saddened to hear of Albert’s passing as I was at his home only a week or so ago. I have known Albert for many years and he was a first class person. Albert was a trader and loved to trade gold pocket watches. Hardly a month went by that I didn’t get a call from Albert letting me know he had a new watch that I needed to come by and see, he will be missed.
I hate that I will be out of town and not able to attend his funeral services.
Hal, Mark and Gina… This brings my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Albert was a fine gentleman who will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow.
Mark & Hal, It was deeply saddening when I got your text on the death of Albert. As you know, there is a special connection between your dad and mine. How ironic that two college roommates would have a parent that not only share the same birthdate but the same birthDAY. From the times I was welcomed into your home, I was always made to feel like part of the family by both Hilda and Albert and both are and will be sorely missed. Keep up the strength and know that peace and serenity is now at hand. Miss you both and will see you on Saturday. Love always!
I was saddened to read about the passing of Albert. Always a true gentleman and also a true professional in every way, he will be missed. I knew Albert from law enforcement and Biltmore Lodge. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.
Hal, Mark, Gina, Tanner, Austin and family, I am just hearing of Albert’s passing.
I am so sorry for your loss. Albert was part of our family for 15 years. He never left me confused to what his feelings about things were, and he tolerated my views and arguments back. I had great respect for him and have thought of him often over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all…
I apologize for the lateness of this post, as I have just learned of Albert’s passing. We were Albert’s neighbor on Foggy Glen from 2009-2011. He was so special and took our son (now 11) on as his friend. One of my favorite pictures is of the two of them together. Even after we moved away, Albert would still call every once in a while to chat and check on the kids. What a kind, dear man. I was so lucky to have known him. My sincerest condolences to all of his family.