Otis Sorrells

Waynesville, Otis Leon Sorrells, 85, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Haywood Regional Medical Center.

A native of Haywood County, he was a son of the late Ellis and Mellie Byrd Sorrells.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Ellison Sorrells, who died in 2018; six sisters, LaVerne Edwards, Hazel Pilkington, Mildred Gibbs, Betty Arrington, Mary Rhinehart and Anne Guy; two brothers, J.D. Sorrells and Ronnie Sorrells.  Otis proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.  He retired from the County of Haywood with 25 years of service as Maintenance Manager.  Otis was an avid fan of the Tuscola Mountaineer football teams, and he loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.  He enjoyed vegetable gardening and spending time with his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Brenda Tate Sorrells; sister, Marilyn Guy; brother, Bill Sorrells, and his wife, Hazel, all of Waynesville; daughter-in-law, Sheila Sorrells, of Waynesville; two grandchildren, Lauren Favichia, and her husband, Javin and Garrett Fox; three great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Samuel and Hendrix; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Green Hill Cemetery with Military Honors, Ryan Jacobson will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN  38105.

The care of Mr. Sorrells has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.