Robert Wayne Sorrels was called home to Jesus on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at the age of 80. He was born October 9, 1940 to William Arlie and Catherine Ehemann Sorrels of Atkins, Arkansas.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, William Allen Sorrels and sister, Janet Sorrels.
Robert is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Julia Ann Sorrels, daughter Sherry (Stephen) Littlefield; 2 sisters: Carole Schwander and Kathy (Tom) Nauman; 2 granddaughters: Jennifer (Tim) Luedecke and Krystal (Matt) Alvarez; 6 great-grandchildren: Christopher Robbins, Stephen Robbins, Dean Luedecke, Lukas Luedecke, Levi Alvarez and Max Alvarez and numerous other nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
Robert graduated from Atkins High School in 1957 where he studied pre-medical at Arkansas Tech University and proceeded to graduate from the University Of Houston College Of Pharmacy in 1963. He obtained his pharmacy license in Texas and went on to obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy license for Arkansas in 1984 as well. He had a successful 36 year career at Walgreens where he served as a pharmacist and store manager in the Houston area until he retired in 1996. He was recognized as an Honorary Golden Cougar on the 50th Anniversary of his graduation from University of Houston College of Pharmacy.
His real passion was serving as a rabbit judge for many years where he enjoyed educating and working with the youth members. He held many director positions in his judging career. He served as a past District 4 Director of the America Rabbit Breeders Association and Co-chair of the ARBA National Show in Fort Worth, Texas. He was Chairman of the Texas State Rabbit Breeders Association state show and Chairman and lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Rabbit Committee where he devoted 50 years to the committee. He was a founding member and President of the Pasadena Rabbit Breeders Association. He was a life member of the Harris County Rabbit Breeders Association and often judged their shows. He was a youth rabbit advisor for 4H and FFA where he mentored and impacted the lives of many youth.
He enjoyed studying family genealogy with his sisters where they would take road trips to research and locate relatives. He also enjoyed travelling with the love of his life after his retirement where they travelled overseas and enjoyed taking cruises. He always enjoyed spending time with family, especially his daughter and grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as Papaw. He invested his time, love and energy into them and enjoyed spoiling them. He always had a smile on his face and touched many lives. He was always willing to help and mentor many and he will certainly be missed.
Robert was a servant of God and was a member at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church where he attended mass and volunteered much of his time to several ministries.
The celebration of Robert’s life will be held at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 11011 Hall Road, Houston, Texas on Tuesday, October 19th with the Rosary starting at 10am and Funeral Mass to follow at 11am. The Rite of Committal will take place at the Church of the Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Atkins, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Robert’s name to the American Heart Association or the Texas Rabbit Breeders Association Youth Scholarship Fund (1051 CR 491, De Leon TX 76444).
Online obituary and condolences are available at
www.lemleyfuneral.com