James Gilmer Sorrell Jr.

MECHANICSVILLE, VA – James Gilmer Sorrell Jr. was born on March 4, 1923, in Raleigh, NC. Gilly was the oldest son of the late James Gilmore Sorrell and Lena McKinney Sorrell. He passed away on September 16, 2016. He was a native of Hampton, where he played football and ran track for the Hampton H.S. Crabbers. Gilly worked for Newport News Shipbuilding, and was in the U.S. Navy. He received his B.S. Degree from Otterbein College in Ohio. Gilly was co-captain of the Otterbein football team and was a volunteer fireman for the city of Westerville.

While at Otterbein, he met his future wife, Marian Mae McNaught. The couple were married in Condit, Ohio in 1947 and were together for 68 years. They moved to Highland Springs, where Gilly accepted a position with Henrico County Public Schools where he became a Biology teacher and coach. Coach Sorrell’s teams excelled in football and baseball for 20 years. Highland Springs H.S. won the football state championship in 1961 and won numerous district titles in both sports. After completing his master’s degree from Univ. of Va., Gilly went into school administration. He was an Assistant Principal at Henrico H.S. and Principal of Varina H.S. He served as a Vocational Specialist for HCPS, retiring in 1981.

Gilly was a natural athlete and excelled in many sports. He became an outstanding golfer in addition to his earlier prowess in baseball, football and track. Known as “Coach” to his students, he mentored many young athletes and is on the H.S.H.S. Athletic Wall of Fame. He loved the outdoors and hunting and fishing, and especially enjoyed salt water fishing in the bay aboard his yacht, the Gillygull with his beloved wife. An avid gardener, Gilly shared his vegetables with family and friends for over 50 years. In retirement, he relished spending as much time as possible with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gilly is predeceased by his wife, Marian in 2015, and also his sisters, Jenna Harden, Lorene Landon, and Catherine Mager. He is survived by: son, Victor Sorrell (Jo); daughter Karen Sorrell; granddaughter, Buni Bailey Neighbors (Poggie); grandsons, Andy Sorrell (Kristen) and Bradley Sorrell; great-grandchildren, Nick and Arden Neighbors, Jack and Annie Sorrell; brother, Conky Sorrell; sister Ruth Swimmer; and nephew, Jerry Harden. The family is grateful for the wonderful care that Gilly received at Heritage Green Assisted Living and Intrepid Hospice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Woody Funeral Home – Atlee Chapel, 9271 Shady Grove Road, Mechanicsville, VA, on Sunday, October 2, 2016. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. followed by a service at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association.