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Submitted: 7/22/20 • Approved: 7/22/20 • Last Updated: 7/25/20 • R826002-G807689-S3
William
Sep 16, 1922
Aug 17, 2017
Juanita
Feb 5, 1921
May 19, 2020
William “Bill” Sorrells, of Willow Springs, quietly left this life early Thursday morning, August 17, 2017 while at Willow Care Nursing Home due to natural causes. Born to Harvey and Mary (Duncan) Sorrells on September 16, 1922 in Roodhouse, IL; he was 94 years old.
Bill grew up and attended the local schools in Roodhouse, IL where he graduated from Roodhouse High School. He then went to work for Granite City Steel as a tool grinder, and then later, he was employed as a hod carrier at an arms factory in Chicago, IL. After returning from the service, he returned to Missouri where he worked for Reed-Harlin Grocery Co. as a wholesale food salesman. He then spent the next 47 years in the food sales business. After Reed-Harlin went out of business, he worked for several years at G & W Foods in Willow Springs until his retirement in January of 1992. On November 8, 1941, he was married to Juanita Johnson in Willow Springs, and to this union two sons were born. Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he fought in one of Europe’s most famous campaigns, “the Battle of the Bulge.” As a result of his bravery and self-sacrifice, he saved the lives of several of his fellow “brothers” and received three Bronze Stars for his heroism. Bill had many enjoyments in life, however, he especially loved to read, and he and Juanita enjoyed playing card games with their friends. He was a huge fan of baseball, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and all who knew him.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and three sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Juanita; two sons, William Gary Sorrells and his wife, Carolyn of Monett, MO; and Larry Dale Sorrells and his wife, Ronda of Willow Springs. Further surviving are his grandchildren, William Gary Sorrells, Jr. of Ponce’, Puerto Rico; Kelley McCaffrey and her husband, Joe of Monett, MO; and Brendan and Hannah Sorrells of Willow Springs.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in William’s name to the Willow Springs Public Library and may be left at the funeral home.
A visitation for Mr. Sorrells will be held Monday, August 21, 2017 at 1:00 PM with funeral services following at 2:00 PM at Willow Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Dowler officiating. Interment will be held at the Willow Springs City Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com
Gladys Juanita Sorrells, formerly of Willow Springs, passed away May 19, 2020, while at the Lacoba Nursing Home in Monett, MO. She was born February 8, 1921 to Elmer Richard and Hannah Elizabeth (Chaney) Johnson in Willow Springs. She was 99 years old.
Juanita grew up and attended school in Willow Springs. She was the manager of the A&W Restaurant when it first opened in Willow Springs. She was also employed at Dillon’s Store in Mountain Grove for several years, and later was a cashier at Kilpatric’s/G&W Foods in Willow Springs for over 23 years. She married the love of her life, William H. “Bill” Sorrells, on November 8, 1941. Juanita and Bill enjoyed more than 75 years together, and to this union, two sons were born. She was a faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church until her health started to fail. When she was not at work, she loved to read. She read her Bible daily until she could no longer see to read, and it was said she wore her Bible completely out. Juanita also loved to read Amish romance novels. She was a great cook and excelled in making desserts such as German Chocolate cake. She also loved to make “comfort food” such as her “almost world-famous” chicken and dumplings. Juanita enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune on television as well as Judge Judy and The Price is Right. She will be dearly missed by her family, her friends, and all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three sisters, and three brothers.
Juanita is survived by her sons: Gary Sorrells and his wife, Carolyn of Monett, MO; Larry Sorrells and his wife, Ronda of Appleton City, MO; four grandchildren: Gary Sorrells, Jr. and his wife, Nixie of Springfield, Kelley McCaffrey of Monett, Brendan Sorrells and Hannah Sorrells, both of Warrensburg, MO; great grandchildren: Kamila and Fabiola Sanchez of Springfield; Alex Johnson and her husband, Ahmad of Grandview, MO, and Erin and Abby McCaffrey of Monett. She is further survived by a great-great granddaughter, Marley Johnson also of Grandview, MO.
The family requests anyone wishing to remember Juanita may do so by a donation to the Willow Springs Public Library, and they may be left at the funeral home.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at the Willow Springs City Cemetery. Pastor Larry Sorrells and Gary Sorrells will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com
Contributed on 7/22/20 by mjrwag
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Record #: 826002