Roy Douglas Sorrell, 98, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. He was born on November 29, 1927, Roy was the youngest of nine children born in Bath County to Ellis and Eunice Fortune Sorrell.

Roy had a distinguished military and government career beginning in 1946 with the 11th Airborne Rangers during the occupation of Japan. Upon his return he severed several years with the Kentucky National Guard. He Joined the 100th Division of the Army Reserves and was deployed to active duty at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas during the Berlin Crisis in 1963. He rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major for the 100th Division and served as commandant of the 5041 USAR School in Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. Roy’s last deployment was in 1987 in Honduras where he returned to “Jump Status” in both land and sea jumps with the U.S. Army Special Operations Command: Special Forces Group where they affectionately called him the “Jumping Grandpa”. In 1988 he was inducted into the 100th Division Corridor of the Century Hall of Fame.

His long career in government service included over 30 years at Blue Grass Army Depot in Lexington, Kentucky beginning as a shipping clerk, airport manager and Chief Management Analyst. He volunteered to go to Vietnam in 1968 as a civilian to work with the Armed Services on behalf of the war effort, returning safely home later that year.

He concluded his career as Chief Analyst at Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois where he retired in 1987 before returning to Mt. Sterling.

His warrior spirit was complemented by his strong Christian faith and quiet demeanor as a longtime member and leader of Antioch Christian Church. He was a parishioner, Deacon, Sunday School teacher and served as Head Elder for many years.

Roy served as Scout Master for the Blue Grass Council, was a member of the Mt. Sterling Planning and Zoning Board and volunteered in many civic endeavors.

Roy and his wife Evelyn loved to travel and spent many days in their Winnebago traveling across the United States. He also loved fishing and was a Master Gardner. The fruits of his labor were enjoyed at the many family dinners he and Evelyn loved to host.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 75 years Evelyn Sorrell and one son Thomas Gatewood Sorrell. Also preceding him were his sisters Mary Sorrell, Maggie Sorrell and Mabel “Polly” Ballard and brothers, Jackson, Gatewood, Dee “Pop”, William “Bill” and Oliver.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his sons, Brad (Dana) Sorrell of Mayslick, Kentucky, Son, David (Susan) Sorrell of Lexington, Kentucky and daughter-in-law, Margaret Sorrell of Lexington, Kentucky.

Nephews; Billy (Wanda) Ballard of Winchester, Mike Eads of Austin, TX.

Nieces; Janie Ballard (Wendell) Rose of Winchester, Connie Sorrell (Mark) Prather of Cynthiana, MaryAnne Eads (John) Turner of Knox City, TX, and Connie Eads Bogard of Ft. Worth, TX.

Roy also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Debryn (Bobby) Boyd, Ashley Sorrell, Joanna Sorrell, Darcy Sorrell, Thomas Calvin (Megan) Sorrell, Lisa (Joel) Gronberg, Carolyn Pippen, Brian (Daphne) Gregory and Erin (Kenny) Stewart, along with 11 great grandchildren.

The Family would like to thank Dr. Jeffery McGinnis and staff of Sterling Health Care; the wonderful staff of Sterling Meadows Assisted Living and the staff of Mt. Sterling Health and Rehab.

A memorial service will be held 12 PM, Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Taul Funeral Home Chapel Mt. Sterling with Rev. Bill Kilgore officiating. Visitation will be held 11 AM-12 PM, Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Taul Funeral Home Chapel.