Frank Sorrells

Canton – Frank “Junior” Sorrells, Jr., 91, passed away on Monday, November 23, 2020 at his residence.

Junior was a native and lifelong resident of Haywood County and a son of the late Lewis Frank Sorrells, Sr. and Ruth Chambers Sorrells.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Browning Sorrells, who died in 2015; one sister, Edna Bateman; and three brothers, Lewis, Wayne and Vernon Sorrells.  Affectionately known as “Chief” by his students and Papaw by family and friends, Junior taught auto mechanics at Waynesville Township and Tuscola High School for 20+ years.  He was happiest on his John Deere tractor or sitting at the barn, smoking his cigar while watching his cattle.  Junior was a member of Riverside Baptist Church where he served as the choir director and a Sunday school teacher. He was sharp minded and filled with a joyful spirit.  For 27 years, Junior enjoyed breakfast and lunch at Juke Box Junction, where he never met a stranger.  In 1946, a military plane crashed into Cold Mountain and it is noted that Junior Sorrells was the first on the scene.  Junior’s smile and one of a kind personality will be greatly missed in the Bethel Community.

He is survived by a daughter, Sandra Swanger of Bethel; two sons, Dale Sorrells and wife, Jan, of Mills River and Steve Sorrells and wife, Phyllis, of Bethel; eight grandchildren, Jeremy Wilson, Melanie Brookshire, Jeanna Johnston, April Bryson, Robin Reeves, Joshua Sorrells, Lucas Sorrells and Lea Sorrells; fourteen great-grandchildren; Brady, Dillon, Isabella, Emma, Brock, Joy, Hope, Forrest, Dalton, Sawyer, Ava, Emma, Ben, Jake, Alexis and Aaron; and his sweet chihuahua Heidi.

The family wants to thank Junior’s neighbors and the Lake Logan Fire Department First Responders for their care and compassion over the years.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Bethel Community Cemetery with the Reverend Steve Frazier and Reverend Kris Estep officiating.

Flowers are appreciated and/or memorials may be made to Lake Logan/Cecil Fire Department First Responders, 4291 Lake Logan Road, Canton, NC  28716.

Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing will be observed.

The care of Mr. Sorrells has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com