William Sorrells

William Lawrence Sorrells was birthed into this world on January 16, 1934 at 9:34 pm to Benjamin Harrison and Elsie Lucille Sorrells (Powell) in Gladstone, Virginia. He departed the earth realm and returned to his Heavenly Father on January 13, 2021 at 3:10 am. He was the second of eight children: James, Dennis, Samuel Warren, Randolph, Oliver Carlton, Edith Jeanette and Mary Emma. William (Bill) had a desire to work and with little work to be found in Gladstone, Virginia, he relocated to Chicago, Illinois at the age of 16. He found work in the dry-cleaning industry where he continued working until he began working at Sweetheart Cup Corporation where he worked until his retirement in 1996. He met Melvina Gertrude Diggs, they fell in love and were united in holy matrimony on April 15, 1954. Their union was blessed with four daughters: Leslie, Donna, Kim and Linda. Melvina pre-deceased William on July 11, 1990. On January 16, 1996, William was united in holy matrimony to Christene Dykes-Sorrells. He became the proud stepfather to three sons, Kevin Dykes and twin brothers, Andre & Andrell Dykes. He also became the grandfather to Justin Deloney and took part in raising him as a grandson. Christene pre-deceased William on November 5, 2014. William loved working with his hands and worked on cars as a hobby and as a blessing to others. He loved helping others and was instrumental in keeping many cars running until families, friends and acquaintances could purchase better vehicles. He loved gardening for pleasure, especially post-retirement, and even grew vegetables he didn’t eat, simply to see them grow and give them away. He enjoyed fishing and shared this love with everyone in his family. There were many fish fries that followed his fishing trips and of course, stories about the “big ones that got away”. Creating a family and leaving a legacy of love and kindness were very important to him. He was a family man who would do anything he could to help his family and others, often teaching them the skills he had. He enjoyed family gatherings and was infamous for the best dinner rolls ever, and in fact was a great cook. He thoroughly enjoyed retirement, and would sit for hours reading his Bible and often reading through the Bible multiple times each year. He joined Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Alfred E. Smith in 1984 where he served faithfully as a Deacon and as a member of the Finance Committee. He loved his church and inspired many in their relationship with God. He leaves to cherish his memory, four daughters, Leslie (Dupree), Donna, Kim and Linda (Michael), eight grandchildren, Terrance (Sarina), Latrice, Preston, Patrick, Jonathan, Ethan, Elena and Joshua, ten great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law, Essie Sorrells, three stepsons, and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.

William Sorrells

January 16, 1934 - January 13, 2021