Jerry Robert Sorrells

Jerry Robert Sorrells, age 81, of Salisbury passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at his residence. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Jerry’s life began on a fall day - Wednesday, November 8, 1944, when he was born in the mountains of Franklin, NC as a 13 pound baby. He was the 2nd of 4 children born to Hattie and Grover Sorrells. Even though Jerry (known as JR to many), was in his 80’s, he still had the mind of a much younger person, full of intrigue and interest in new things. He was always looking up items of interest on the internet, posting on Facebook, and had even opened his TikTok account at 81. He was a lifelong learner. Jerry especially loved the outdoors and carpentry - working with wood. He made beautiful tables for many family members and friends into his late 70’s. Jerry spent his early life on a family farm in Franklin, NC. Some of his favorite memories from this time were swimming in the Sugar Fork River, Sunday dinners with his family (because everyone was together), his mom’s rice pudding, riding on the tractor with his father, Grover, and having a grand champion show calf in 1963. As a boy, his favorite books were westerns, like Daniel Boone, and his favorite movie was Gone with the Wind. He loved the NC mountains. He was a 1963 graduate of Franklin High School. After high school he began working for the North Carolina Highway Patrol where he worked until his retirement in 1977. Some of his best memories and friendships are from this time. He later attained his general contractor license and built beautiful houses in the Asheville area. He ran a successful company – Sorrells Construction for over 45 years. He was also a member of the Masonic Fulton Lodge. Jerry was a fun person, and a magnet for gathering people together. He was a good friend to everyone, and family and friends loved being around him. He enjoyed helping out others, often performing acts of kindness without recognition. He was married to the love of his life, Kay Kepley Sorrells, for almost 36 years. Their relationship was full of love and respect for each other – the kind of relationship we all hope for. We will miss him dearly, as he leaves behind a deep space which is now empty. But we know that he loved his Savior, and that he is now with God. A life well lived… Preceding him in death were his brothers Huel and Randall Sorrells and his sister Ann Brogden. Those left to cherish his memories are his wife Kay Kepley Sorrells whom he married November 24, 1990; daughters Sandra Beattie (Mike) of Salisbury, Wendy Kavalir (Charles) of Miami, FL and Kathy Tankersley (Jim) of Greer, SC; grandchildren Sarah Dobson (Andrew), Charles Kavalir, Grant Kavalir and Mackenzie Kavalir; and great-granddaughter Lyla Dobson. Jerry is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Service (10am) at Victory Baptist Church in Cooleemee, NC followed by Graveside Service (11am) - Rowan Memorial Park on Saturday, July 25, 2026 to be conducted by Rev. Johnny Oceguera. 2nd Graveside Service: 11:00 AM Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Sugar Fork Baptist Church in Franklin, NC, to be conducted by Chaplain Sue Barron. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank Trellis Hospice especially Traci Collins and Sheri White for their loving care of Mr. Sorrells. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Sorrells family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Jerry Robert Sorrells

November 8, 1944 - July 18, 2026