Archie Raymond Sorrells Jr.

Published 2:34 pm Thursday, December 26, 2024

Archie Raymond Sorrells Jr., 84, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024 surrounded by his family and holding the hand of the love of his life, his wife, Bonnie Spaugh Sorrells, until Jesus took hold of his other hand. 

Ray was the son of the late Ray Sorrells Sr. and Sammie Riddle Sorrells. He was born in Shelbyville, Tenn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Sorrells.

Caring deeply about people and their relationship to God, Ray served as pastor of churches in Bentonville, Va., Princeton, W.Va., Elizabethton, Tenn., and Erwin, Tenn. He was then called as Director of Missions for the Watauga Baptist Association in Elizabethton, Tenn. For many years after he “retired,” Ray served as interim pastor for five different churches, the last being Mt. Olive Baptist Church in King, N.C. 

He never forgot his Tennessee roots as he was a devoted fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteers. He enjoyed watching Tennessee sports, especially with his family. 

He was greatly loved and is survived by his wife, Bonnie; son, Sam (Kristina); daughter, Miriam; daughter, Deborah (Pruette); five grandchildren, Jenna (Jeremy) Wahler, Jacob Plemens, Brea Sorrells, Sarah Plemens and Matthew Sorrells; two brothers, Ward Sorrells and Mike (Kathy) Sorrells; and many loving cousins and extended family.

The family will receive friends Friday, December 27, at 10 a.m. at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home in Rural Hall. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will take place after the service at Pfafftown Community Cemetery.

A memorial service will also take place on Sunday, December 29, at Calvary Baptist Church, 225 Holly Lane, Elizabethton, Tenn., at 2 p.m. with visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Carson-Newman Fund in memory of Ray Sorrells, Carson-Newman University Advancement, P.O. Box 557, Jefferson City, TN 37760 or visit: cn.edu/giving/