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- James "J.C" Clinton Sorrells Jr.
Thursday, October 1, 1931 - Monday, January 6, 2020
Loved His Family, Honored His Country
Photo of James "J.C" Clinton Sorrells Jr. - 1931-2020
Clyde- We give thanks for the blessed life of James “J.C.” Clinton Sorrells, Jr., who entered his eternal heavenly home on Monday, January 6, 2020.
Mr. Sorrells lived a full and wonderful life of 88 years. He was born October 1, 1931 in Haywood County to the late James Clinton Sorrells, Sr. and the late Sophia Clark Sorrells. He grew up and was raised among the mountains that he loved and he always valued his mountain heritage and his family ancestry. J.C. proudly chose to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force on December 13, 1949 at the age of 18. His military career of 22 years spanned over the Korean War as well as the Vietnam War. He had specialized in Aircraft Mechanics and Engines which included traveling, hauling cargo, and transporting troops and supplies all across the world, visiting Germany, Greece, Turkey, Panama, and Spain while working on C-124 engines. He was awarded the prestigious Military Airlift Command Cost Reduction Award in 1966. J.C.’s high energy and superior work ethic would ensure that each aircraft he worked on would be in superior shape. He retired from his military career as a Chief Master Sergeant. Following his retirement, J.C.‘s life was filled with new endeavors that brought multitudes of friendships into his life that he was indeed thankful for each and every day. He was instrumental in beginning the Air Force JROTC program at Tuscola High School where he taught and instilled the great values of military service to the young high school cadets. He was also a North Carolina licensed real estate agent who helped many families locate and purchase homes throughout the area. He also owned and operated a pre-owned car dealership. Anyone who knew J.C. also knew his love for mountain music and clogging, he loved to square dance and was a member of the Rough Creek Cloggers. It was often said that when the band began to play Mr. Sorrells would hit the dance floor and begin looking for a dance partner. He kept busy at home raising cattle and always tending a garden in the spring and summer months. J.C. held a strong faith and he was a lifelong faithful member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. His love for his family was immeasurable and he will be deeply missed each and every day by each of them. Mr. Sorrells served his Lord, loved his family, and honored his country with his devoted service. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” These words truly represent the life of James “J.C.” Clinton Sorrells, Jr.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years and mother of his children, Maxine Smith Sorrells; son, James Rickey Sorrells; sister, Iona Mehaffey, Frances Earley; and brothers, Garrett Sorrels, JR Sorrells, Homer Sorrells, and Charles Sorrells.
Surviving are his wife, June Smith Sorrells of Canton; a daughter, Rita S. Sorrells-Stephenson and her husband Charles of Clyde; a grandson, David J. Sorrells and his wife Crystal of Clyde; great-grandchildren, Jacob L. Sorrells, Levi McCall, and Noah McCall all of Clyde; a brother, Frank C. Sorrells and his wife Wanda of Clearwater, FL; a sister-in-law, Wilma Sorrells of Canton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
The funeral service honoring the life of Mr. Sorrells will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, January 10, 2020 at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Clyde. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at the church prior to the service. Rev. Johnny Willis will be officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in J.C.’s memory to the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund at 39 Robinson Rd. Clyde, NC 28721, or to Mountain Care at PO Box 25338 Asheville, NC 28813
Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to be caring for the Sorrells family.
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